05 February 2024 , 15:35
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Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez will not need surgery for the injury sustained against West Ham but could still face two months out.
Argentina defender Martinez returned from injury in January after more than three months out, but went down injured in the second half against West Ham on Sunday. He attempted to play on, but was eventually forced to make way for Raphael Varane.
And United have confirmed the World Cup winner has suffered a sprained collateral ligament. The recovery time for such an injury has been suggested as between one-and-a-half and two months, which would allow the former Ajax man to play again this season.
United will still be able to call upon Varane and the recently returned Harry Maguire in Martinez's absence. Manager Erik ten Hag had suggested the injury was a bad one when speaking after Sunday's victory, with the club now confirming his prognosis.
A statement reads: “Lisandro Martinez has sustained an injury to the medial collateral ligament in his knee and is expected to be out of action for at least eight weeks.
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“The Argentine defender left the field in the 71st minute of our 3-0 win over West Ham United at Old Trafford on Sunday. We all wish Licha a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch later in the season.”
The 26-year-old went down following a challenge with West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal, and Ten Hag's instant response wasn't a positive one.
"Lisandro Martinez's injury does not look good," United's manager said. "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. I can't tell you the details. 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."
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Martinez was injured after a challenge with Vladimir Coufal (Getty Images)Ten Hag's side were still able to claim victory despite the loss of their centre-back. Rasmus Hojlund opened the scoring in the first half, extending his current streak to four goals in as many games, while Alejandro Garnacho added two more goals in the second half.
It was a second straight win for United, who had claimed a last-gasp victory at Wolves during the week. The three points lifted them above West Ham, while allowing them to gain revenge for the 2-0 loss at the London Stadium back in December.
United, who didn't make any additions to their senior squad in the January transfer window, travel to Aston Villa next weekend. Villa are coming off a comfortable 5-0 win at Sheffield United, and will be looking to get one over on United after their dramatic Boxing Day defeat.