Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a metatarsal fracture during a Europa League match against Sevilla. The Argentine centre-back, who was signed from Ajax for £60m last summer, has been a key player for the team this season and will be sorely missed during the run-in. The club has also confirmed that fellow first-choice centre-back Raphael Varane is expected to miss a few weeks due to an injury sustained in the same match.
In a statement on manutd.com, the club said: “Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after fracturing a metatarsal bone in his foot. However, the Argentinian defender is expected to make a full recovery in time to be ready for the start of next season. Martinez sustained the injury in the 86th minute of Thursday night’s 2-2 draw with Sevilla in the quarter-final of the UEFA Europa League. Lisandro’s defensive partner Raphael Varane was also substituted with an injury at half-time in the same game and is expected to be out for a few weeks.”
Martinez’s injury was one of several setbacks for United during their match against Sevilla, which saw them relinquish a comfortable 2-0 lead and concede two own-goals. Bruno Fernandes was also ruled out of the second leg after receiving an early yellow card.
Despite the disappointment of losing Martinez for the rest of the season, the club paid tribute to his contribution during his first year at Old Trafford: “While Lisandro’s first season at United has sadly come to a premature end, it will remain a memorable one for the centre-back having made 45 club appearances whilst establishing himself as a firm fan favourite and helping the team to win the Carabao Cup.”
Martinez’s injury is a blow to United’s hopes of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League and progressing in the Europa League. The team currently sits second in the league, 11 points behind leaders Manchester City, and faces a tough challenge against AC Milan in the Europa League round of 16.
The loss of Martinez and Varane also puts pressure on United’s other defenders, including Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly, and Axel Tuanzebe. The team will need to regroup quickly if they are to maintain their momentum in the final stages of the season.
For Martinez, the injury is a setback after an impressive start to his United career. The 25-year-old has established himself as a reliable defender and a fan favourite at Old Trafford. He will be hoping to make a full recovery in time for the start of next season and continue his progress with the club.