Lisandro Martinez was crestfallen after he had to be carried off in Man United’s 2-2 draw with Sevilla in the Europa League.
Martinez was carried off
Erik ten Hag has clarified Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez did not suffer an Achilles injury in the Europa League draw with Sevilla.
A distraught Martinez was carried off by Sevilla players Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuna in the 87th minute before he required a stretcher.
Martinez’s withdrawal reduced United to 10 men when they were 2-1 up at the time as they had made their five substitutions on a night Raphael Varane was also forced off through injury at half time.
Varane, Martinez, Luke Shaw, Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford are all now sidelined through injury for United, who travel to Nottingham Forest on Sunday before their return leg in Seville next Thursday, which is three days before their FA Cup semi-final against Brighton.
“No, it is not the area,” Ten Hag said when asked if Martinez had sustained an Achilles injury. “But I can’t tell what it is. But it is not the area of Achilles.
“We have very good replacements with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, so we have players who can replace them. But of course, it is a miss.
“I think he will not play on Sunday. It looks like that but I can’t say what is the diagnosis and I prefer to wait and then we are clear and we know exactly what it is.
“I have spoken with him, he is okay, he is calm. Of course and we compete in three competitions and then you need a squad. So if Licha Martinez, Rapha Varane are not available on Sunday then others have to do it.
“We have seen on Saturday Harry Maguire played a good game and he came in tonight and also played a good game.
“I have an idea what we can play on Sunday but first we have to see tomorrow and talk with medical, see who came out of the game and then we have a plan and then we will bring a good team on pitch.”
Ten Hag did not rule out the possible return of Marcus Rashford from an apparent groin strain in the return leg: “There is a chance but I can’t confirm it in this moment.”
‘I’m heartbroken’ – Manchester United fans fear the worst for Lisandro Martinez injury
The Manchester United defender had to be stretchered down the tunnel after going down with a concerning foot problem vs Sevilla.
Martinez was tearful as he exited the action (Image: Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
Manchester United fans are fearing that centre-back Lisandro Martinez will be sidelined for a long time after being carried off the pitch amid a non-contact injury in Thursday’s 2-2 Europa League draw with Sevilla
The World Cup winner went to ground clutching his foot in agony before being helped off the field by Argentina teammates Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel of Sevilla, having been unable to put weight on his right foot.
The diagnosis of the setback is not known but United supporters are worried that it could be a serious injury that might rule ‘The Butcher’ out for at least the rest of the season.
United were without top scorer Marcus Rashford for the clash due to a muscle injury and Raphael Varane was taken off at half-time after going down with a knock for a period in the first half.
United will also be without Bruno Fernandes for the return leg after he picked up his third yellow card of the competition and so is required to serve a one-match suspension. The Reds were left scratching their heads how the last half an hour played out but most fans on Twitter said their thoughts are with Martinez.
@LewMartial9: I’m heartbroken already.
@AlexMuz3: Season ending that looks like.
@Kiezzy95: Timing couldn’t be any worse.
@drewturner999: He’ll be out for the start of next season too then…
@nicoleB0yle: This hurts my heart.
@Liam2United: Season over.
@United_Always_hehe: How can a team be this unlucky??
