06 February 2024 , 09:27
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Lisandro Martinez has offered his "heartfelt thanks" to supporters after suffering a huge injury blow.
The defender hurt his knee during Manchester United's win over West Ham on Sunday. Martinez has only recently returned from a foot injury that had forced him to miss 22 games across all competitions.
And he looks to be set for another extended spell on the sidelines in just his fourth match back in action. The World Cup winner had tussled with Vladimir Coufal by the touchline and got his leg trapped by the Hammers' defender.
Martinez attempted to carry on, but collapsed in pain soon after and had to be replaced by Raphael Varane. Despite his devastating blow, the defender has now insisted he will be back soon.
"I want to give a heartfelt thanks for the great support I've received and to reassure you that I'll soon be back out there, and we'll fight together. Always united!" Martinez tweeted alongside a picture of himself looking dejected.
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United revealed on Monday that Martinez is facing at least eight weeks on the sidelines. That means he will miss their next seven games, including the derby with Manchester City next month, though could return after the March internationals.
"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," a club statement on Martinez read.
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Martinez is facing eight weeks on the sidelines (Getty Images)"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."
Speaking before the full extent of Martinez's injury became apparent, boss Erik ten Hag lamented his fresh problem. The Dutchman branded the injury a "personal disaster" for the defender.
"I can't tell the detail but it seems bad," he said. "We have to wait for the detail and making the right diagnosis in the coming days. We'll see what is going on. In this moment, we're very sad about this but, hopefully, it's not too bad. We can only pray.
"We have to find out in the next days what is the diagnosis. It's very bad for him and very bad for the team. He's just returning and is a very important part for us. Last season, when he fell out, I felt our performances dropped a level.
"We have to avoid that because we have a good squad and centre-backs who can fill in. But he definitely brings spirit to the team, apart from his footballing abilities. It's disappointing for the team.
"And especially for Licha. It's so frustrating, he worked hard to return now for two games. It looks like he has to sit some games out injured again but let's stay positive at this moment. Hopefully, it's not too bad but we have to wait."