Lisandro Martinez Nears Long-Awaited Manchester United Comeback After Injury Setbacks

Key Takeaways:

• Manchester United remain optimistic that Lisandro Martinez will feature before the end of the calendar year
• The Argentine defender has yet to rejoin full squad training, eight months after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury
• United secured a 2-0 victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford but will next face reigning champions Liverpool following the international break

Martinez’s Rehabilitation Timeline

Lisandro Martinez, aged 27, continues his recovery process following an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained eight months ago. The centre-back commenced individual outdoor sessions toward the conclusion of Manchester United’s pre-season tour in late July. While he has yet to resume team training, Martinez’s rehabilitation remains on track, with ongoing personalised training sessions at the club’s Carrington base.

Club sources suggest that Martinez may be reintegrated into first-team activities after the November international break, as Manchester United exercise caution over his return.

🚨 Manchester United are still hopeful Lisandro Martínez will play again this calendar year. He is still doing individual sessions as part of his rehabilitation. United could wait until after the November internationals to ease Martínez back into the squad. #MUFC… pic.twitter.com/PMEBOgFrME

— mufcmpb2 (@mufcMPB2_) October 6, 2025

Role Off the Pitch

Despite his extended absence from competitive fixtures, Martinez has retained an influential presence within the squad. Esteemed as part of the newly established leadership group during the summer, he travelled alongside his team-mates to the Etihad Stadium last month, aiming to offer support during matches. In addition to observing training and attending team meetings at Carrington, the Argentine has remained actively engaged with preparations and tactical discussions.

Setbacks and Recent Injuries

Since his arrival from Ajax in July 2022, Martinez has faced multiple injury challenges. In April 2023, he fractured his metatarsal and required corrective surgery five months later, forcing an absence that extended to January 2024. Further adversity struck towards the closing stages of the 2023-24 campaign when he suffered a calf injury, preceding the ACL rupture incurred during United’s 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace in February.

Squad Selection and Managerial Decisions

Head coach Ruben Amorim has relied on Luke Shaw, who has started all seven of Manchester United’s Premier League matches this season at the left side of the defensive three. Shaw, traditionally a left back, has transitioned into a full-time centre-back role to fulfil Amorim’s preference for a left-footed option in that slot. Meanwhile, Ayden Heaven, who arrived from Arsenal during the winter transfer window and is currently 18 years old, has made just four starts for United since joining the club.

Manager’s Perspective and Other Injury News

Last month, Ruben Amorim addressed the ongoing absence of Martinez amid a challenging start to the season, stating, “When you have that injury, you have that time where you recover the hard part quickly, then there is the boring part where it looks like you don’t go to the next step.

“We miss a lot Licha, especially in this moment, we miss his aggression in everything he does, we miss him.

“But he’s always there in every meeting. In training, he sometimes finishes his [session] and stays to watch the training. We need Licha in this team.”

Elsewhere, full-back Noussair Mazraoui remains the squad’s only other current injury concern, with an expected return later this month following a thigh issue.

Recent Results and Upcoming Fixtures

Manchester United helped alleviate mounting pressure on Ruben Amorim with a crucial 2-0 triumph over Sunderland at Old Trafford this weekend. The Red Devils, however, are set to face a formidable task in their next outing, travelling to take on Premier League champions Liverpool after the international break.