Ten Hag could welcome back key Manchester United defender against Brentford

Erik ten Hag expects defender's return imminently (Imago/Sebastian Frej)

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Erik ten Hag reveals Lisandro Martinez could play against Brentford (Imago/Sebastian Frej)

Ten Hag could welcome back key Manchester United defender against Brentford

Seye Omidiora 20:57 - 29.03.2024

Erik ten Hag has provided an update on the injured defender’s possible availability ahead of Saturday’s visit to the Gtech Community Stadium.

Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez might make a comeback for the upcoming match against Brentford, according to coach Erik ten Hag.  

Lisandro Martinez’s injury bugbear

The 26-year-old defender suffered a right knee injury back in February during United’s 3-0 Premier League victory over West Ham United, spraining his medial collateral ligament in a collision with West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal in the 68th minute, an injury initially anticipated to rule him out him for around eight weeks.

The defender has missed five Premier League matches since being forced off against the Hammers but had been nearing a return and trained with the Argentina national team during the recent international break.

Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez has not played for Manchester United since February (Imago/PA Images) Lisandro Martinez has not played for Manchester United since February (Imago/PA Images)

Speaking before Saturday’s visit to the West London club, Ten Hag expressed optimism about Martinez's possible availability, stating: "Yes, there is a chance [he could be available]. We have missed him every game because he brings composure, calmness, and a winning attitude to the team.” 

"He can express this very clearly. He can transfer that into the team and that contributes a lot to our levels."  

Regarding other injured players, Ten Hag mentioned, "There are players returning, they are back on the pitch, they are back in team training. We have one more training now. But it is most likely that we have some players back in the squad.” 

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Martinez joined Manchester United from Ajax for £47 million in the summer of 2022, reuniting with his former Ajax coach Ten Hag. Despite making 45 appearances across all competitions last season, Martinez missed the final nine Premier League games due to a foot injury.

In the current campaign, he has been limited to just 10 appearances, having missed over three months after suffering a foot injury in September 2023.