MX23RW : Friday, November 15 21:42:32| >> :60:1977:1977:

Manchester United handed Lisandro Martinez fitness boost

Manchester United handed Lisandro Martinez fitness boost
© Reuters
Manchester United receive a boost after Lisandro Martinez links up with the Argentina squad following concerns over his fitness status.

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has travelled to Argentina despite fears over a potential injury issue.

The centre-back started Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Arsenal alongside Victor Lindelof in the heart of the Man United defence.

However, he was forced off and replaced by Harry Maguire in the 66th minute after suffering discomfort in his foot.

Having missed the end of the 2022-23 campaign with a metatarsal injury in the same foot, there were concerns over the extent of Martinez's latest fitness issue.

The signs appear to be positive, though, after Martinez was declared fit enough to link up with the Argentina squad for two World Cup qualifiers.

Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez in action with Arsenal's Kai Havertz on September 3, 2023© Reuters

Martinez is expected to be evaluated upon his arrival by Argentina's medical staff, before a final decision is made on his availability.

The World Cup winners are set to face Ecuador in Buenos Aires on Thursday, before they travel to La Paz for Tuesday's meeting with Bolivia.

Martinez's potential availability would come as a boost to Man United boss Erik ten Hag, who is already having to contend with a number of defensive injuries.

Raphael Varane missed the trip to the Emirates Stadium with a muscle injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for another few weeks.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pictured on August 19, 2023© Reuters

Like Martinez, Lindelof was also withdrawn in the second half against Arsenal, raising concerns over his fitness status.

Dutch full-back Tyrell Malacia has been struggling with an injury issue, while Luke Shaw has been ruled out for up to 10 weeks with a muscular problem.

In addition to their defensive absentees, Man United are also without the services of injured trio Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo.

Man United will return to action after the international break with a home fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on September 16.

ID:523309:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4216:

Click here for more stories about Lisandro Martinez

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez in action with Arsenal's Kai Havertz on September 3, 2023
Read Next:
Man United suffer Lisandro Martinez injury blow in Arsenal defeat
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!