Lisandro Martinez's Road to Recovery: When Could Man Utd's Star Defender Make His Comeback?

It has been a turbulent few days for Lisandro Martínez.

The Manchester United centre-back publicly voiced his frustration with the club's top brass and sporting director Jason Wilcox following Tuesday's Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid.

He posted an initial social media statement attempting to walk back his remarks, followed by another confirming that a "very positive conversation" had taken place with club leadership and manager Michael Carrick. With reports suggesting a fine had been issued as formal discipline, the situation was considered resolved by the time Carrick addressed the media on Friday.

Martínez then featured in Sunday's 1–1 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road, though he could only last until half-time before being substituted at the break in West Yorkshire.

United were already without Ayden Heaven through illness and appeared to shift to a back three when Martínez was replaced by returning fullback Noussair Mazroui.

What Injury Does Lisandro Martinez Have?

Carrick revealed afterwards that Martínez had "felt his thigh a little bit."

It seems no risks were taken with a player who has endured a persistent injury record since arriving at the club from Ajax in the summer of 2022. His first four seasons at Old Trafford produced 110 appearances across all competitions, averaging fewer than 28 per campaign, while Transfermarkt estimates the Argentine international has accumulated a total of 632 days on the treatment table during that spell.

Carrick provided no additional details regarding Martínez's fitness, with a further update anticipated when the United boss next speaks to reporters on Tuesday, ahead of Wednesday's Champions League fixture against Como on the banks of the iconic lake in northern Italy.

When Will Lisandro Martinez Return to Man Utd?

Without further information at this point, it remains unclear when Martínez will be back on the pitch. A minor complaint being carefully managed may only require a brief spell on the sidelines—it seems unlikely he would be risked against Como so soon after being taken off against Leeds.

At best, he would be considered doubtful for that match, but could be in the frame to return when the Premier League schedule picks back up against Bournemouth on Sunday.

A more significant setback could stretch into weeks, or even months in the worst-case scenario. Based on Carrick's early assessment, however, that appears unlikely.

The reality is that United depend on Martínez. The young Heaven, the backup left-footed centre-back in the squad hierarchy, shouldn't be sidelined for long, but he too remains a doubt for the Como clash.

Leny Yoro will also be absent against Como after receiving a red card in the Spanish capital against Atlético Madrid. Harry Maguire played the full 90 minutes against Leeds but was only used as a substitute in Madrid as the club continues to manage his minutes at 33 years of age. Carrick may have little option but to start the experienced defender in consecutive matches. Matthijs de Ligt has returned to the bench after an 11-month absence due to a back injury but is yet to feature in a game.