Manchester United have confirmed that Lisandro Martinez injured his anterior cruciate ligament during Sunday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.
The Argentina international had to be substituted in the latter stages of his side's 2-0 defeat after catching his studs in the turf while tangling with Palace attacker Ismaila Sarr.
Martinez's reaction suggested that it was a severe injury, and the centre-back was in tears when he was stretchered off the field.
Man United have confirmed that the ex-Ajax defender has ruptured his ACL, and he is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
"Manchester United can confirm that Lisandro Martinez suffered an injury to his cruciate ligament in Sunday's game against Crystal Palace," read a statement from Man United's official website.
"Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the appropriate course of treatment and the timescale for his rehabilitation. Everyone at Manchester United wishes Lisandro Martinez strength for a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way."
© Imago
Man United confirm ACL injury for Martinez
Man United have not provided a timeframe in terms of his recovery, but due to the serious nature of the damage, Martinez will not play again this season.
Martinez faces a battle to return to action before the end of 2025, and it might be approaching a year before the Argentine is able to make his comeback, with Real Madrid's David Alaba recently spending more than a year out with an ACL injury of his own.
The defender was out of action between September 2023 and January 2024 with a foot injury, and he then missed almost two months later in the same season due to a knee problem.
Martinez has been a key player since Ruben Amorim's arrival as head coach, and the news will be a bitter blow to the Portuguese, who is now struggling for a specialist in the left-sided centre-back role.
Luke Shaw, if he is able to prove his fitness, could operate in that area, but the Englishman has had a small setback in his recovery from his latest problem and is not due to return to training until next week.
Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui and new signing Ayden Heaven are the centre-back options now available, with Jonny Evans still on the sidelines through injury.
Matt Law
