Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has confirmed Lisandro Martinez’s injury after his team’s Europa League quarterfinal clash against Sevilla.
Manchester United suffered a double injury blow in the Europa League clash and ended up playing ten men in the last few minutes after being ravaged by injuries.
Two top center-backs, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez were forced off after being hit with injuries.
Raphael Varane was subbed off after the first half and the nature of his injury remains unclear but Lisandro Martinez injury blow was obvious.
There were concerns the Argentina World Cup winner has picked up Achilles problem which could deal a devastating blow to his game chances for the rest of the season.
It was near the tail end of the game when he was hit with the injury issue and was helped off the pitch by two of his Argentina World Cup teammates, Gonzalo Montiel and Marcus Acuna who are Sevilla’s players.
Martinez could not walk. He was taken to the stretcher before being jacked off the pitch.
The impact of the double injury blow was immediately felt by the home side.
Marcel Sabitzer had fired a quickfire brace in the first half to crown Manchester United’s vintage display against the visitors.
Late into the second half, the Red Devils were shadow of themselves gutted by the loss of Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
Nightmare defensive blunders cost the club two late own goals. Tyrell Malacia scored an own goal to restore comeback hopes for Sevilla while Harry Maguire also netted another own goal to bring the score level.
Speaking in a post match press conference, Erik Ten Hag described the double injury blow as a mess.
“It is a big mess and we were just unlucky,” Erik Ten Hag said referring to the injury blow.
He however debunk claims Lisandro must have picked up an Achilles problem that may likely rule him out of action till the end of the season.
“I cannot say that the injury is about but I am sure it is not Achilles problem.”
Responding on chances of Martinez returning to the squad ahead of Sunday game and the extent of the injury, the former Ajax manager said;
“Due to the injury, he will not be available for the Sunday game, but the club is on hand to examine the extent of damage done.”
It was a nightmare encounter for the Red Devils. Erik Ten Hag now have to eke out a win against Sevilla in Spain next week to progress to the semifinals of the competition.
Manchester United are still winless against Sevilla in their four meetings and the Spanish side is the most successful club in the Europa League, having won it a record seven times.
Manchester United may likely miss the two defenders going into the second leg against Sevilla but more updates on the injury situation is expected in the coming days.
