MANCHESTER UNITED defender Lisandro Martinez could be out of action until 2026 – and fans are in despair.
The Argentine has suffered a serious ACL injury during United’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday, the club have confirmed today.
Lisandro Martinez was stretchered off against Crystal Palace on Sunday
The defender landed awkwardly while attempting to make a tackle on Sarr
The Argentine was seen in floods of tears as the medical team carried him off the turf
Man Utd have since confirmed Martinez’s Anterior cruciate ligament injury
The 27-year-old was stretchered off in the late stages at Old Trafford after injuring his knee.
While attempting to win the ball from Ismaila Sarr, Martinez lunged forward before his left knee buckled.
He immediately fell to the floor clutching his leg and signalled over to the bench to be substituted.
The Argentina international – who scored two important goals last month – then broke down in tears as he was carried off the pitch.
While reports suggested an ACL tear on his left knee, fans were hoping for more positive news.
But United have since announced the worst.
The club statement read: “We can confirm that Licha suffered an injury to his cruciate ligament in Sunday’s game against Palace.
“Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the appropriate course of treatment and the timescale for his rehabilitation.
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“Everyone at United wishes Martinez strength for a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way.”
An ACL tear recovery time is generally nine to 10 months, though some players may recover in six months.
The worst-case scenario would see Martinez – who needs surgery – out until next February.
It took Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings 473 days to recover from his ACL tear in 2023 before his return this season.
While sidelined, the 18-time capped England international suffered from a condition known as muscle atrophy, which is the decrease in the size of muscle tissue due to a lack of physical activity.
United fans were left bitterly disappointed after the announcement.
One raged on X: “Just call this season off!”
A second said: “When you think things can’t get any worse .”
A third quizzed: “Why can’t we ever have anything nice?”
While another added: “Absolutely gutted about this. Wish Licha a speedy recovery .”
One more said: “See ya need year lad .”
Martinez has been plagued by injury problems since joining the Red Devils in July 2022.
He missed the end of his debut season with a metatarsal fracture before foot, calf and knee problems hampered the 2023-24 campaign.
Man Utd went on to lose 2-0 to Oliver Glasner’s side at Old Trafford at the weekend.
Matthijs de Ligt was brought on as Martinez’s replacement but United were undone on their left flank as Daniel Munoz burst through before squaring to Jean-Philippe Mateta to poke home.
Mateta scored a brace for the visitors to secure the three points and move about Ruben Amorim’s side to 12th in the Prem.
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