Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United lines up
Lisandro Martinez has confirmed successful surgery on his ruptured ACL
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has confirmed he has undergone successful surgery on his ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
At the start of the month Man United hosted Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. In the 82nd minute Martinez was tracking opponent Ismaila Sarr as he suffered the injury, going to ground and soon after being carried off via stretcher in tears.
Fearing a season-ending injury, the club eventually confirmed the Argentine's ruptured ACL, as per reports in his homeland. Their statement explained the appropriate course of treatment was to be determined but regardless his absence would extend deep into 2025.
Now late on Saturday night, Martinez himself has penned his own, emotional statement from his hospital bed confirming he has actually undergone surgery on the issue and that it has been successful.
Written in both Spanish and English on Instagram, it read: "Today, after going through several stormy days where I allowed myself to feel and accept my sadness, helplessness, insecurities, fears, and a deep emotional imbalance, I am reconnecting with my essence and my values, which help me see things from a kinder and more positive perspective.
"I feel immense gratitude for the incredible work and support of @manchesterunited, @afaseleccion, my family, friends, teammates, and everyone who took the time to send me a message of encouragement.
"The surgery went perfectly!! Now it’s time to give it my all, with heart and soul, in the rehabilitation process."
This is the 27-year-old's fourth major injury problem since his transfer from Ajax in July 2022. First he missed the final six weeks of the 2022/23 campaign with a fractured metatarsal, then in September 2023 corrective surgery ensured a further absence of four months.
Between February and March last year Martinez was ruled out with medial collateral ligament damage before a six-and-a-half-week lay-off with a calf problem.
His latest setback has arrived with unfortunate timing, having started 16 times under Ruben Amorim since the manager's November arrival.