Ten Hag reacts to "very bad" Lisandro Martinez injury as Man Utd fears realised

04 February 2024 , 16:43

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Lisandro Martinez was caught on the knee (Image: Getty Images)

Erik ten Hag confirmed Lisandro Martinez has suffered a "very bad" injury in what is a huge blow for Manchester United.

The Argentine defender was forced to make way 20 minutes before the end of the Red Devils' 3-0 win over West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday after trying and failing to play through the pain.

The centre-back was caught on the knee by West Ham's Vladimir Coufal and hobbled straight down the tunnel after he made way and was replaced by Raphael Varane.

Ten Hag said: "Lisandro Martinez's injury does not look good. It is very bad for him. We wish Licha all the best. It's very bad also for the team. It seems bad. We have to wait and make the right diagnosis. At this moment, we are very sad."

"Hopefully, it is not too bad, but we can only pray. It looks like he has to sit some games out injured again." He added: "I can't tell you the details.

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"We have to find out in the next few days what the diagnosis is. He is just returning. He is very important to us. He brings spirit to the team, aside from his football ability."

Martinez has only recently returned from injury after the defender spent months on the sidelines with a foot problem.

He made his return to the first team against Tottenham in January after missing a staggering 22 games for the Old Trafford club.

Jake Polden