With Lisandro Martinez out for the remainder of the season and Raphael Varane out for the foreseeable future, Manchester United has suffered a twin defensive injury blow.
In the 2-2 draw on Thursday at Old Trafford between Sevilla and United in the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinal, both players sustained injuries.
Martinez, who in December helped Argentina win the World Cup, pulled up in agony late in the game, clutching his right ankle. He was carried away on a stretcher.
After halftime, United had already lost Varane, a fellow first-choice center back, to injury, and Harry Maguire, who had taken Varane’s place, had an own goal scored in injury time.
During Friday’s noon press conference, manager Erik ten Hag was unable to offer an update, although the club eventually acknowledged the seriousness of the injuries.
“Lisandro Martinez broke a metatarsal bone in his foot and is sidelined for the rest of the season,” “In a statement, United said.
“But, it is anticipated that the Argentine defender will fully recuperate in time to be available for the start of the next season.”
Raphael Varane, Lisandro’s defensive partner, was also replaced due to an injury at halftime in the same game and is anticipated to miss a few weeks, the statement said.”
While United try to close the season on a good note, the loss of Varane and Martinez, who are in their first season together at Old Trafford, puts a vacancy in Ten Hag’s favorite center-back partnership.
Ten Hag’s team, which won the League Cup in February, is now fourth in the Premier League standings and is aiming to advance to the Champions League.
After United’s travel to relegation-risked Nottingham Forest on Sunday, the second leg of their Europa League quarterfinal matchup against Sevilla in Spain will take place.
Bruno Fernandes is suspended for that game, and club captain Harry Maguire is subsequently suspended for the FA Cup semifinal at Wembley the following Saturday against Brighton.
Maguire’s absence is problematic since United can only use Victor Lindelof and him as pure center backs right now.
Ten Hag said, “A lot,” when asked how much trust he had in the couple. I believe that our center-halves are capable and have shown themselves in the past. This season, they have shown.
“We have four or five excellent center backs who are up to the task.”
Luke Shaw, a left-back who has excelled this season when utilized in a central role, is an additional option.
The England international might make a comeback against Forest along with midfielder Scott McTominay after missing several previous games due to injury.
Marcus Rashford, who leads the league in scoring, is out with what seems to be a groin injury, joining Alejandro Garnacho and Donny van de Beek.
In his news conference before to the game, Ten Hag emphasized the significance of team members rising to the occasion.
You must be prepared for that struggle since every game is a war, “added he.
“We’ve got a team. We have more than 11 starters, as I’ve mentioned throughout the season. Others are now participating, and when your turn comes, you must show up and help the team out.”
