Lisandro Martinez suffered an ACL injury in February and the Manchester United star has taken a significant step on his recovery journey after having a minor setback this month
Lisandro Martinez in training
Lisandro Martinez has returned to training(Image: Manchester United)
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Manchester United have received a major boost after Lisandro Martinez returned to training almost nine months on from his serious knee injury. Martinez, 27, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during United's 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace in February and was forced to undergo surgery.
The defender took part in outdoor training sessions towards the end of pre-season and Ruben Amorim added him to the Red Devils' new six-man leadership group, a sign that he remains a crucial member of the squad. But Martinez has had to be patient after being made to continue working individually for slightly longer than expected.
Earlier this month, the Argentina international saw his return to first-team training delayed by a minor setback. Now Martinez has finally been given the all-clear and was spotted getting stuck in at Carrington on Thursday ahead of United's trip to face Nottingham Forest.
Saturday's Premier League fixture could come too soon for Martinez, who'll be a topic of discussion in Amorim's pre-match press conference on Friday. The Red Devils have one more game before the November international break, away to Tottenham next weekend.
Quizzed on Martinez's progress last week, Amorim replied: "He's feeling well. The knee is responding really well, so I don't want to say one specific day or one week.
"I don't know, but it's near to start the training with the team. Then it depends on the rhythm of Licha, if he wins the place or not, that will depend on him, but he's closer to return to training."
Previously, the United manager made it clear how sorely missed the former Ajax star has been. "We miss a lot Licha, especially in this moment, we miss his aggression in everything he does, we miss him," Amorim admitted.
But Martinez won't have an easy route back into the Red Devils' defence. Luke Shaw has been ever present in the Premier League this season, operating as the left-sided centre-back.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 2: Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez lays injured during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Crystal Palace FC at Old Trafford on February 2, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Lisandro Martinez hasn't played since February(Image: Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Shaw, whose own injury troubles are well documented, assisted a goal in United's 4-2 win against Brighton on Saturday. Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt have also impressed this term, with Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven also featuring in the back three.
Martinez won't have opportunities in cup competitions before January either, as Amorim's side were dumped out of the Carabao Cup in August. The 27-year-old has been keen to stay involved in team affairs, regularly attending meetings and travelling to matches, despite not being able to play.
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