Lisandro Martinez Edges Closer to Man Utd Comeback as Club Dismisses 'Emergency' Recall

Ruben Amorim revealed that Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez is moving closer to making his comeback, though he won't be deployed in a defensive midfield position.

The Argentine sustained an ACL injury on February 2nd during a 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace and has been sidelined ever since. Amorim's backline struggled significantly without him as Man Utd recorded their worst-ever 15th place finish last campaign. Performance has picked up this term, but the center-back's return should strengthen a team that has allowed 18 goals across 11 Premier League fixtures.

Speculation about his potential comeback intensified when Martínez received a call-up to Argentina's squad for November's international fixtures. He participated in training sessions with La Albiceleste during the international window, and this appears to have been beneficial as he approaches his first match in more than nine months.

"I believe Licha is getting close to being match-ready," Amorim stated before Monday's Premier League encounter with Everton. "We must exercise caution, he will face challenges in his initial minutes but he's clearly in an improved state compared to two weeks prior."

Martínez Could Take on Unorthodox Role Upon Return

Martínez will most probably slot in as United's left-sided center-back upon his return, though considering the Red Devils' midfield difficulties, he might feature in a more advanced position.

The 27-year-old featured in 22 matches for Ajax as a defensive midfielder, although he was predominantly utilized as a center-back. At Old Trafford, Martínez has accumulated 86 appearances in central defense and has filled in at left-back on four separate occasions.

Amorim was questioned whether Martínez could step up and provide relief to a midfield that has frequently appeared overwhelmed—but the Portuguese manager appeared to dismiss this possibility.

"[Martínez is] a clever, astute football player [who] can operate in multiple positions but it isn't the ideal role for him," Amorim explained. "He requires additional time to develop there and he isn't training in that capacity, in an urgent situation he could play but I'm not considering that.

Additional defensive injuries might render Martínez's suggested midfield deployment irrelevant as well. Amorim confirmed Harry Maguire will be absent for the Everton fixture after sustaining an injury during training.

Lisandro Martínez's Appearances by Position

*Stats per Transfermarkt

Sesko Out for a Few Weeks With Knee Injury

Amorim confirmed Benjamin Šeško will be sidelined for "several weeks", although the knee problem he picked up against Tottenham Hotspur isn't considered severe.

"He will make a full recovery. He's undergoing rehabilitation and is feeling improved so we anticipate having him available again in several weeks. I believe it will be approximately when Amad [Diallo] and [Bryan] Mbeumo depart for AFCON."

Šeško's recovery period has been estimated at three to five weeks, according to The Athletic.

The Games Benjamin Sesko Could Miss for Man Utd