Manchester United have received another injury boost following the update that goalkeeper Andre Onana and forward Joshua Zirkzee have returned to training ahead of the Premier League opener against Arsenal next Sunday.
According to club insider SullyTalkz, centre-back Lisandro Martinez has progressed in his recovery, training individually on the grass yesterday. A return to first-team training is considered not far away.
The left-footed defender is expected to miss at least the first three games of the season. He could return in time for the first Manchester derby of the campaign at the Etihad Stadium on September 14.
The Argentine tore his cruciate ligament during the league clash with Crystal Palace in February after a challenge on forward Ismaila Sarr. The injury ruled him out for the rest of the season.
Martinez was one of the players who dazzled under manager Ruben Amorim last season, playing as the left-sided centre-back.
He ranked first for accurate passes and interceptions, second for accurate long balls and third for clearances per game in the league last season.
The 27-year-old was linked with Serie A holders Napoli earlier in the transfer window but turned down the opportunity to join them.
Martinez is considered one of the leaders in the United squad, and manager Ruben Amorim considers him a vital player in the dressing room.
The Argentina international may find it difficult to regain his place in the starting line-up due to the impressive form of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.
Since making his debut, Heaven has impressed as the left centre-back, while Yoro thrived there – particularly in the Europa League knock-out phases last season.
Martinez will hope to recover as soon as possible, regain his match-fitness and fight his way back into the starting line-up.
Stats from sofascore.com