Lisandro Martinez season over as Manchester United confirm broken metatarsal for Argentina international

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has suffered a broken metatarsal that has brought his season to an end.

The Argentina international has proved to be an astute signing by The Red Devils, with his no-nonsense style of play winning him a legion of fans.

He was in action from the start for United against Sevilla in the Europa League on Thursday, but was unable to finish the match.

Martinez pulled up in pain with no other players around him, and was carried from the field of play by Sevilla pair Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel who are compatriots of the former Ajax man.

Reports overnight in Martinez’s native Argentina suggested the defender had suffered a broken metatarsal, and that was confirmed by his club.

“However, the Argentinian defender is expected to make a full recovery in time to be ready for the start of next season.”

United manager Ten Hag was somewhat cagey when asked about Martinez’s injury during his press conference on Friday previewing the game with Nottingham Forest.

It has not been confirmed whether the defender would undergo an operation or elect for a period of rest and rehabilitation to remedy the issue.

The news is a huge blow to United and means they will be without their first choice centre-backs at a crucial stage in the season.

Raphael Varane did not finish the 2-2 draw with Sevilla, and United confirmed the French defender “is expected to be out for a few weeks.”

With United battling for glory in the Europa League, the FA Cup and pushing to secure a place in the top four in the Premier League, Ten Hag’s defensive resources will be tested.