Lisandro Martínez Ruled Out of First Three Matches of the Season Due to Injury
Manchester United have been dealt a significant early-season blow as Lisandro Martínez is set to miss at least the first three games of the 2025/26 campaign. The Argentine international, who has faced a string of injury setbacks over the past year, has not fully recovered and will remain sidelined as he continues his rehabilitation process.
Martínez, a key figure in Erik ten Hag’s defensive setup, brings not only composure and aggression at the back but also leadership and tenacity that United often rely on in high-pressure situations. His absence will be a concern, especially with United expected to face a challenging start to the season both in the Premier League and potentially in European qualifiers or early domestic cup fixtures.
Background and Concerns:
The 26-year-old suffered a recurrence of a foot injury late last season, which disrupted his rhythm after just returning from a previous long-term absence. Despite optimism during pre-season that he might return in time, his condition hasn’t progressed as quickly as hoped. The club’s medical team has opted not to rush his recovery, prioritizing long-term fitness over short-term fixes.
With Martínez unavailable, Erik ten Hag will now have to reshuffle his defense. The pressure is likely to mount on Raphaël Varane, Victor Lindelöf, and potentially Harry Maguire to step in and fill the void. There could also be opportunities for younger defenders like Willy Kambwala or Teden Mengi, depending on pre-season form and tactical decisions.
Matches He’s Set to Miss:
If there are no setbacks or delays, Lisandro is expected to return after the third league fixture. That means he will miss clashes against [Insert Opponents Here, if known], depending on the fixture list.
Recovery Outlook:
Reports suggest that his injury is not career-threatening but requires a cautious return-to-play protocol. United fans will be hoping to see their Argentine warrior back on the pitch by late August or early September, fully fit and ready to re-establish himself as a defensive linchpin.