Manchester United learn new Lisandro Martinez injury reality as return scenario clear
Lisandro Martinez will miss the rest of the season after suffering a horrible knee injury earlier this month
A football injury expert has provided an update on Lisandro Martinez, who recently suffered a nasty knee injury. The 27-year-old defender damaged his anterior cruciate ligament during Manchester United's 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace earlier this month.
Martinez, who had to undergo surgery, will miss the remainder of the season, and there are concerns he could be out of action for up to 12 months. Following the setback, the Argentina international penned an emotional message, thanking family, friends, teammates and supporters for their messages of support.
"Today, after going through several stormy days where I allowed myself to feel and accept my sadness, helplessness, insecurities, fears, and a deep emotional imbalance," said Martinez. "I am reconnecting with my essence and my values, which help me see things from a kinder and more positive perspective.'
"I feel immense gratitude for the incredible work and support of Man United, Argentina federation, my family, friends, teammates, and everyone who took the time to send me a message of encouragement. The surgery went perfectly! Now it's time to give it my all, with heart and soul, in the rehabilitation process."
Ruben Amorim will be keen to get Martinez back into the starting line-up as soon as possible, with United light on options at the back. But the Portuguese tactician has been warned that he mustn't be rushed back.
Speaking to Encyclopedia Dramatica, Ben Dinnery said: "When it comes to a player like Lisandro Martinez, you really need to look at the type of injuries he’s suffering. He’s just suffered an ACL setback and prior to that he’s had a fractured metatarsal and an MCL injury.
"It’s not like he’s suffered a lot of muscle injuries, which would be more of a red flag. If you were to look at Martinez’s general injury history, then he wouldn’t be high on my list of players at risk of further injuries."
Dinnery added: "However, we do know that players coming back from long layoffs and returning to the team will be more susceptible to picking up soft tissue and muscle problems as the intensity increases. It’s going to be a long recovery for him, but hopefully he’ll be back to his best once he’s back in the team."
Fortunately for Martinez, Amorim understands the severity of his setback. The United boss said: "I think it is a serious situation. A bad situation for us and especially for Licha. I think we are going to see in the next days but I think it is a serious situation.
"It's really hard on us, he's not just a great player but a strong character in the dressing room. Especially in this moment, it's hard for us. Now it is time for all of us to help Licha. He felt it and, when you are a player, you know when it is serious. Let's hope for better days for him. We are here, like I say, to help him in this difficult moment."
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