Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez will be out of action for “an extended period” due to an aggravation of the foot injury he suffered in April. The Argentina international, 25, missed the end of last season with a foot injury and went on to suffer a setback in the Premier League game against Arsenal earlier this month. He featured against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League and Bayern Munich and Champions League but it has now been determined that he needs some time on the sidelines. He will now begin a period for recovery and rehabilitation while assessment is ongoing to determine next steps.
Fellow defender Sergio Reguilon could also be out until next month’s international break with a minor injury. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are already sidelined with United now without a senior left back for the visit of Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Who will now play in defense?
Erik ten Hag must wonder what he has done to suffer this string of injuries. Manchester United’s defense has been decimated and will be a headache for the manager for weeks to come.
In the immediate term, against Crystal Palace, the backline should be similar to the Carabao Cup tie in midweek, with Sofyan Ambrabat deputizing at left-back, given license to move into midfield on the ball, and Diogo Dalot on the other flank with Aaron Wan-Bissaka also out.
The only question for Ten Hag will be central defense – does he stick with Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire, or bring in either Jonny Evans or Victor Lindelof?
Evans was very good at Burnley and might be Ten Hag’s preference on the left side of the partnership given his two-footedness. It was his left-foot pass after moving into midfield that set up Bruno Fernandes at Turf Moor.
Maguire was near faultless against Palace, however, and played that position under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Lindelof has typically played on the right under Ten Hag. The manager will hope Varane does not suffer another injury, having only just returned from a month out.
Should Ten Hag want Ambrabat in midfield, he might be tempted by Evans, who had a period at left-back while at West Bromwich Albion.
In conclusion, Manchester United’s defense is facing a crisis with multiple key players out due to injuries. Lisandro Martinez will be sidelined for an extended period due to an aggravation of his foot injury, while Sergio Reguilon and Luke Shaw are also nursing minor injuries. With no senior left back available, manager Erik ten Hag will have to make some tough decisions regarding the defensive lineup for the upcoming match against Crystal Palace. The options include sticking with Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire in central defense or bringing in Jonny Evans or Victor Lindelof. Regardless of the choices made, it is clear that Manchester United’s defense will be a major concern in the coming weeks.