There’s finally light at the end of the tunnel for Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez – reports suggest the Argentine international is expected to return to the pitch by the end of this month. The World Cup winner has been sidelined for 8 months, ever since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury to his knee during a match against Crystal Palace in February.
Though he underwent surgery in London shortly after the injury, Manchester United has maintained a cautious approach throughout his recovery. Last week’s medical check-up revealed his knee is recovering well, and this week he has officially joined the first team for full training sessions. Optimism surrounding the 27-year-old’s impending return stems from two factors: the club’s patient, science-backed rehabilitation strategy, and Martínez’s own immense effort in his individual training program.
Currently, Martínez’s form in training will determine the final comeback timeline set by United and manager Rúben Amorim. However, the player himself has already targeted matches against Brighton and Nottingham Forest as potential return dates. As a World Cup champion, Martínez is not only a key leader in United’s dressing room but also a core member of the team’s management group. Sources within the club revealed that amid United’s recent poor results and the immense pressure on manager Amorim, Martínez has repeatedly shown signs of anxiety due to his eagerness to return and help the team. Nevertheless, the coaching staff insists on ensuring he is fully fit to tackle the crucial phase of the season.
For Amorim, who has been under mounting pressure lately, Martínez’s return couldn’t come at a better time. Manchester United have already lost 3 Premier League matches this season, with the most recent defeat against Brentford on September 27. However, there is a silver lining: the team has won 2 of their last 3 games, including back-to-back victories over Chelsea and Sunderland at Old Trafford, securing a three-game home winning streak.
