Need to know
Lisandro Martinez has been banned for three games after his red card in the defeat to Leeds United
Lisandro Martinez.
Lisandro Martinez has given Michael Carrick a real defensive issue(Image: Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Which Manchester United games will Lisandro Martinez miss?
Why was Lisandro Martinez initially banned?: Lisandro Martinez received a ban following a straight red card for violent conduct during Manchester United's 2-1 loss to Leeds United. The Argentine centre-back was dismissed in the 56th minute after a VAR review determined he had pulled the hair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin during a physical battle.
Appeal decision: The Football Association rejected the appeal after manager Michael Carrick had initially described the referee's decision as "shocking" and "concerning." Despite the club's vocal frustration, the three-match suspension has been upheld, meaning the defender will remain ineligible until the ban has been fully served.
Which games will Martinez miss?: Martinez is set to sit out three vital Premier League fixtures as United pushes for a Champions League qualification spot. Alongside the match against Chelsea, he will also be absent for the upcoming clashes against Brentford and Liverpool.
Chelsea vs Manchester United details: The high-profile encounter is scheduled to kick off at 8pm on Saturday, April 18. This Stamford Bridge fixture is anticipated to be a defining moment in the battle for a top-five finish this season.
How to watch Chelsea vs United: Supporters in the UK can catch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage getting under way at 7pm. The channel will deliver a full hour of pre-match analysis, build-up, and interviews ahead of kick-off.
UK radio coverage: Fans seeking comprehensive radio coverage of the match can tune into talkSPORT, which holds the broadcasting rights to air the game live nationwide. Supporters can also catch local updates on BBC Radio Manchester or follow national commentary through BBC Radio 5 Live.
Man Utd team news: Manchester United are facing a defensive headache, with Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt both unavailable for the journey to the capital. Leny Yoro is similarly ruled out, leaving Carrick with little choice but to call upon Ayden Heaven as his primary centre-half.
Chelsea team news: Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior is grappling with his own injury concerns but is expected to welcome Enzo Fernandez back into the fold following a club-imposed ban. The Blues are also keeping a close eye on the fitness of Reece James and Benoit Badiashile ahead of the fixture to determine whether either can be included in the matchday squad.
Head-to-head record: The historical record between these two sides is notoriously tight, and is frequently cited as the Premier League's most drawn fixture. Across their previous meetings in the competition, the two clubs have shared the spoils on 27 occasions, underlining just how difficult it is to separate them when they meet.