Author: Amrit Santlani
Manchester United have suffered a major blow to their hopes of winning the treble this season, with defender Lisandro Martinez ruled out until the end of the season. Erik Ten Hag’s men suffered a double blow in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals, as starting defenders Martinez and Raphael Varane were forced off injured and their 2-0 lead against Sevilla also disappeared shortly afterwards.
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“Lisando Martinez suffers one”
The Premier League giants have now confirmed that Martinez has suffered a fractured metatarsal in his foot and will play no more this season. The Argentinian had to be taken off the pitch by his compatriots and the injury has already been confirmed by United.
A statement on the club’s website said that Martinez should make a full recovery before the start of next season.
“Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out for the rest of the season after fracturing a metatarsal in his foot. However, the Argentine defender should make a full recovery in time to be ready for the start of next season” said the club. statement.
In addition to the former Ajax defender, Ten Hag will also be without Varane, who went off injured at half-time against Sevilla due to a problem and the Frenchman is expected to be out for a few weeks.
As a result, Manchester United will be without their two first-choice defenders for the next few games, and the timing couldn’t be worse.
Harry Maguire isn’t in great form, having scored a bizarre own goal in the Europa League, and players like Victor Lindelof and perhaps Phil Jones may have to step up in the absence of Varane and Martinez. Ten Hag’s men are still looking for two more trophies, as well as a top four finish, having won the Carabao Cup earlier this season.
In addition, Bruno Fernandes is likely to miss the return leg against Sevilla through suspension and Marcus Rashford will also be absent, making Manchester United’s trip to Spain a difficult task.