Manchester United have confirmed that Lisandro Martinez sustained a cruciate ligament injury during Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.
The 27-year-old went down in visible pain after challenging Palace forward Ismalia Sarr, seemingly twisting his left knee on the Old Trafford turf.
Martinez, visibly distressed and in tears, was stretchered off the field and is now expected to face an extended period on the sidelines.
In a statement issued on Wednesday morning, United added: “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.”
After the game against Palace, Ruben Amorim told the media: “Licha is really important for us, not just as a football player but the character he has, especially in this hard moment. Now it’s time for us to help Licha.
“I think it’s a bad situation.
“Let’s wait to assess things with the doctor, but I think it’s a serious situation.”
Since his £57million move from Ajax in 2022, Lisandro Martinez has battled multiple injury setbacks.
The Argentina international has now experienced four separate injury issues, with his most recent being a cruciate ligament injury.
Martinez missed the end of his debut season after fracturing his metatarsal, and in the 2023-24 campaign, a combination of foot, calf, and knee problems hindered his progress.
However, under new manager Ruben Amorim, the 27-year-old had been a regular fixture, playing on the left side of a back three.
Martinez had recently made an impact in attack, scoring the only goal in United’s 1-0 win over Fulham.
His injury leaves Amorim with a dilemma at left centre-back.
The manager could opt for a right-footed centre-back such as Leny Yoro, Jonny Evans, or Victor Lindelöf.
Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt also remain available, although Amorim may prefer to keep them in their natural positions.
Luke Shaw, who has some experience in the role, is also an option, but he is recovering from his own injury setback.
In January, United strengthened their defensive options by signing 20-year-old Denmark international Patrick Dorgu from Lecce for £25million.
The left-back could make his debut in Friday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Leicester.
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