Report: Amorim’s worst fears confirmed with key player set to miss rest of the season

Lisandro Martinez celebrates his winning goal for Manchester United against Fulham | Imago

Report: Amorim’s worst fears confirmed with key player set to miss rest of the season

Kolawole Babatunde 14:21 - 03.02.2025

Latest reports suggest that the Red Devils will have to navigate the rest of the season without one of their highly-rated defenders.

Manchester United have been hit by a significant setback, with fears that defender Lisandro Martinez could miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a serious knee injury during their 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

The Argentina international was left in tears as he was carried off the pitch in the 82nd minute following a collision with Palace’s Ismaila Sarr. Initial assessments suggest the injury is severe, casting doubt over his availability for the rest of the campaign.

Following the match, United manager Ruben Amorim expressed his concerns, hinting at a lengthy layoff for the centre-back. 

“We will assess the situation in the coming days, but it appears to be a serious injury,” Amorim told reporters, per the BBC. 

“Not only is he a fantastic player, but he is also a vital presence in the dressing room. He sensed the severity immediately, and as a player, you often know when it’s something significant. We will be there to support him through this difficult period, just as he has supported us.”

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports

Lisandro set for further tests

Manchester, England, 2nd February 2025. Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United, ManU leaves the field on a stretcher injured during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture credit: Andrew Yates

According to the Manchester Evening News, United suspect Martinez will not feature again this season, though an official diagnosis will only be confirmed after further medical evaluations later this week.

The club quickly issued a statement following his injury, sasaying, "Ourearts break for you, Licha. We'll be with you during your recovery and know you'll be back stronger."

Martinez has endured a series of injury setbacks since his arrival at Old Trafford, with the defender previously sidelined for the final six weeks of the 2022–23 season after fracturing a metatarsal. 

He later underwent surgery in September 2023, keeping him out for four months. Additionally, he missed eight weeks between February and March last year with a ligament injury, followed by a six-and-a-half-week absence due to a calf issue.

Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, and Leny Yoro are the defensive trio available for the remainder of the season following Martinez’s injury. However, Luke Shaw’s return to training provides another option, particularly on the left side of the back three.

Tags: