Lisandro Martinez has returned to grass training 12 days before Manchester United resume their top-four quest.
The defender has been completing sessions individually as he eyes a full return to action for the visit of fierce rivals Leeds United on Monday, April 13.
🇦🇷🔜 Lisandro Martinez has now returned to individual grass training as he steps up his recovery ahead of his return from injury. Will be a huge boost for Carrick's side given Maguire's suspension + de Ligt's back injury. @centredevils https://t.co/I2uX2nyehk
— Sully (@SullyTalkz) March 31, 2026
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Lisandro Martinez eyeing injury return vs Leeds
Thankfully for Michael Carrick, he won’t really feel the repercussions of Harry Maguire’s one-game suspension if Martinez is back at his disposal.
The Argentine would instantly come back into the fold and partner Leny Yoro, who would then presumably be dropped when Maguire is available for the clash against Chelsea on April 18.
Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a back problem that has kept him out since November. It remains to be seen if he will feature again before the culmination of the campaign.
How Martinez has fared on the injury front this term
As for Martinez, he has endured yet another stop-start season due to multiple layoffs.
The cruciate ligament injury he suffered last February meant that his first appearance of 2025/2026 came against Crystal Palace on November 30.
He was then fit to play another 13 matches before injuring his calf against West Ham on February 10, with the centre-half yet to feature since.
In the past, United have exercised caution when it comes to reintroducing Martinez to first-team action in order to ensure he is fully and 100 per cent ready to play matches.
Appearances Minutes played Injured
106 8,005 88
(Martinez’s record in all competitions since signing for United in July 2022)
Yet, it doesn’t look to be making too much of a difference anyway. Unfortunately for United, the 28-year-old is one of the most impactful but injury-prone players they’ve had in recent years, and it’ll undoubtedly be an area of concern if he jets off to the World Cup to represent the reigning champions this summer.
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BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Newcastle United FC at Camp Nou on March 18, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Gabriel of Arsenal is held by Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United for an oncoming corner during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2026 in London, England.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, applauds the fans after the team's defeat in the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on February 21, 2026 in Manchester, England.