Manchester United are set to welcome back influential centre-back Lisandro Martinez, who is expected to return to full first-team training after the international break (h/t Daily Mail).
The Man United defender has been sidelined since February after suffering a serious ACL injury at Old Trafford.
However, he is now on the brink of a long-awaited comeback for Ruben Amorim’s side.
Sources within Manchester United claim that the World Cup winner’s competitive edge and leadership have been sorely missed, both in the dressing room and on the pitch.
The Red Devils have taken a cautious approach with his rehabilitation, determined to avoid setbacks during a key phase of the season.
Martinez has reportedly been pushing hard for months to regain fitness, having resumed light training back in July.
Recent scans have shown positive results, allowing Martinez to proceed to the final stage of his recovery.
The Argentine ace has already been working with the ball and could rejoin full sessions at Carrington next week to earn a place in Amorim’s starting back three.
His return will be a massive boost for Amorim, who has faced mounting pressure amid United’s inconsistent start.
The Red Devils have already lost three Premier League games this term.
A convincing win over Sunderland last weekend eased tensions, but the upcoming clash with Liverpool will be a sterner test.
Martinez’s return will also have a domino effect on United’s defensive set-up, freeing up Luke Shaw to finally move back to his natural position at left wing-back.
Shaw has often been deployed as a makeshift centre-half in Martinez’s absence, limiting his attacking influence down the flank.
With the 27-year-old back to marshal the defence, Shaw can once again provide the width, pace and delivery United have missed on the left.
That shift is expected to push both Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu down the pecking order, as neither has convinced in that role.