Manchester United have been without Lisandro Martínez since the 1-1 draw against West Ham United at the start of February.
Lisandro Martínez’s Manchester United career can be split into two categories: fit and performing, and on the sidelines.
Throughout his nearly four years at Old Trafford, Martínez has had to deal with seven separate injury issues, adding up to over 585 days out of the matchday squad, as per Transfermarkt.
His latest injury issue appears to be a calf injury suffered in training, having played 90 minutes in his last match under Michael Carrick.
Martínez has been a big miss since his injury, with much of United’s build-up strategies based around the centre-backs’ ability to progress the play. The Red Devils often make use of bounce passes where Martínez plays it into Kobbie Mainoo, before receiving it back and then firing it into the feet of Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes or even Benjamin Šeško.
Harry Maguire can also play those passes, but not to the level of Martínez, meaning United seriously struggled without the Argentine. Leny Yoro came in to replace him, but his passing ability is more impressive at a longer distance. The Frenchman likes to switch the ball from one flank to the other, rather than play short passes through the centre.
Martínez return date revealed
With United missing Martínez, Chris Wheeler of The Daily Mail has confirmed when he will return to the matchday squad after recent reports over his updated injury status.
While he won’t be able to feature against Aston Villa tomorrow, Martínez is in line to be back in the matchday squad for the AFC Bournemouth match next Friday.
United drew the reverse fixture 4-4 with a backline of Amad, Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot in Rúben Amorim’s back-five shape. Martínez came on in the 69th minute in just his fourth game after returning from his ACL injury, which ended his 2024/25 season.
Michael Carrick will be desperate for Martínez to return to full fitness in time to start against Bournemouth, in the hope that he can avoid another four-goal shipping.
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Heaven should start against Villa
While Martínez has been out injured, Yoro has come into the side, with Maguire moving over to the left-hand side of central defence.
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However, playing Heaven would allow Maguire to return to his more natural spot, also allowing for a more seamless transition when Martínez returns to the side.
Also, Martínez’s passing has been sorely missed since his injury, but Heaven could make up for some of those attributes. He isn’t quite at the same level, but Heaven also looks to play forward when on the ball, if he doesn’t carry it forward himself.
Heaven was a key player towards the end of Amorim’s stint, but was taken out of the team by Darren Fletcher and hasn’t returned since.
He should be brought back into the side against Aston Villa, which could be a key decider in the race for Champions League qualification.
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