Man Utd make Lisandro Martinez decision as Argentina set to call up injured star
Manchester United have agreed for Lisandro Martinez to link up with the Argentina squad next week - despite the defender still being injured.
Martinez, 26, made a brief comeback from injury earlier this year after having surgery on foot, but soon found himself back on the sidelines after suffering knee ligament damage against West Ham on February 4. It was expected that the £57million centre-back would make his return for United against Brentford on March 30, but Argentina are now set to call him up a pair of friendly matches which will be played in the USA over the next fortnight.
The news left Red Devils supporters baffled, as Martinez remains unavailable for this Sunday's mouth-watering FA Cup quarter-final clash with Liverpool. However, a report from the Mail explains that the former Ajax star will finish his rehabilitation with his Argentine teammates and could face El Salvador in Philadelphia next Friday.
Argentina then play Costa Rica in another friendly on Tuesday, March 26, this time in Los Angeles. The location of the matches is central to why World Cup-winning boss Lionel Scaloni is keen to call Martinez up, even if his game-time turns out to be limited.
As the Copa America will take place in the USA this summer, Scaloni wants as many of the players who he plans to pick for the tournament in his squad for this month's double-header. It's also worth noting that because of his persistent injury woes in 2023, Martinez hasn't played for Argentina in 12 months.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
Lionel Messi and company will be hoping to have Martinez involved this summer, with United's fan favourite so far making just 10 appearances in his second season with the Red Devils. Manager Erik ten Hag has rued Martinez's absence in defence, especially with him being United's sole left-footed centre-back and having forged a mostly solid partnership with Raphael Varane last term.
Ten Hag received criticism for allowing Martinez to continue against West Ham after the 26-year-old had already gone down in serious discomfort. After being treated by medical staff, the 26-year-old came back onto the pitch but only lasted two minutes, hobbling off with what turned out to be an eight-week injury.
Your turn! Have Manchester United made the right decision? Join the debate in the comments section.
Lisandro Martinez suffered knee ligament damage in February (Getty Images)It was Martinez's decision, according to Ten Hag, who added: "He was comfortable to be back on the pitch but after he tried he stopped in the next attack. It is [almost] impossible [to diagnose injuries]. In some situations it is clear and obvious but there is always a grey area and it is very difficult to see from the sideline.
"We have the [TV] screens and we see it as well and our medical staff are over there [treating him] but to assess in one or two minutes was impossible. After a game I [always] say, 'Can't tell you [reporters] – you need 24 hours minimum,' so how can you tell in two minutes?"
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
