Man Utd defender Lisandro Martinez picked up an injury in training before the win against Everton in the Premier League.
Lisandro Martinez picked up a training injury.(Image: 2026 Manchester United FC)
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Michael Carrick has confirmed Lisandro Martinez's injury is "small" and revealed the defender is "not far away" from returning to the squad. Martinez was absent when United won against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium at the beginning of the week through injury.
The Argentina international had started nine consecutive Premier League matches before picking up the injury and Carrick has praised the partnership between Martinez and Harry Maguire since his appointment.
United sources have not clarified Martinez's injury, but Carrick was asked about the defender's recovery at his press conference on Friday, and confirmed Martinez is closing in on a return.
"I thought Leny came in and did ever so well," said Carrick. "Licha, it was a small issue, so he's getting closer. He won't be out for very long so we'll just monitor him over the next day, two, three or four days and see when he can come back, but he's he's not far away."
In November, Martinez returned from a nine-month lay-off after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee. Martinez picked up that injury against Crystal Palace in February 2024.
He has been key alongside Maguire since Carrick's return to the club. The backline has been tightened, and Manchester City did not record a shot on target in last month's Manchester derby.
Luke Shaw has also played an important role in the defence. Shaw has struggled with injuries during his 11 years in Manchester, but has maintained a clean bill of health this season.
"He's in a good place, Luke, I think," said Carrick. "Again, experience helps that in terms of managing load, managing your body, understanding what it is to get through a season and putting a run of games together. I think that that in itself is probably underestimated.
"You know, game-to-game and be fit for the next game, but actually being able to do over a long period of time, sometimes it takes a bit of adjusting. He's been good for a long time, Luke, and especially this season to have that consistency. just shows how much experience has has helped him."
Shaw was last included in an England squad at Euro 2024, but Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel recently said he was "back in the picture" after playing as a traditional left-back again under Carrick.
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