Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez has been forced to withdraw from Argentina’s national team due to an injury sustained in a recent fixture, according to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Argentine star made a move to the English Premier League giants in 2022 in a deal worth £56.7m from Ajax, and reunited with former boss Erik ten Hag.
Known for his aggressive style of play, the Argentine defender has quickly become a favorite among Old Trafford fans.
However, one concern among Man United supporters is the 26-year-old’s injury history.
Meanwhile, this latest setback marks another chapter in Martinez’s struggles with availability since joining Manchester United in 2022.
Lisandro Martinez injury woes
The defender missed 38 matches across all competitions last season, including a metatarsal fracture in April 2023 that kept him sidelined for an extended period.
Meanwhile, fans were hoping for a fresh start for Martinez this season, with the goal of him completing a full term without any injuries.
However, that hope may be shattered after the international break, as Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Martinez will have to withdraw from the national team due to a recent injury.
Romano shared the news on Instagram, writing: “Breaking: Lisandro Martínez will miss the next games for Argentina as he’s not fit.”
TyC Sports also confirmed that the Red Devils defender has withdrawn from the Argentina national squad for the double-header of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Martinez is said to have suffered a ‘heavy blow’ during the win over Leicester.
Despite playing the full 90 minutes in that match, the severity of the injury was not initially apparent.
After being evaluated by his national team’s medical staff, Martinez was ultimately sent back home.
However, Martinez is not alone in his injury woes, as Martin Odegaard and Wesley Fofana will also miss their respective national team squads due to physical issues as per Romano.
Romano added: “Martin Odegaard and Wesley Fofana will also be out of their national team squads due to physical issues.”
Lens star Facundo Medina has been called up to replace Martinez in Lionel Scaloni’s squad.
The announcement was made via the national team’s X account, stating: “RCLens player Facundo Medina steps in to replace Lisandro Martínez, who will miss the squad.”
Lisandro Martinez injury consequences on Manchester United’s Season
Martinez’s absence severely impacted Manchester United’s defensive stability, leading to a leaky defense that struggled to contain opponents.
His injury raises concerns about Manchester United’s defensive resilience, particularly with the challenging Premier League schedule ahead.
Meanwhile, Veteran Jonny Evans was relied upon heavily to fill the void, exceeding expectations upon his summer return to the club.
However, more is expected as Amorim’s tactics and team selection will be crucial in navigating this period.
Lisandro Martinez Injury Assessment and Recovery
Upon returning to Carrington, Martinez will undergo assessment by club staff, followed by a meeting with new head coach Ruben Amorim.
His availability for Ruben Amorim’s debut match against Ipswich Town on November 24 remains uncertain.
What’s next?
The Argentina national team is set to face Paraguay on November 14 at 20:30 (Argentina time) in Asunción, where Facundo Medina could start from the beginning following Martinez injury.
