Martinez’s Injury Status and Recovery
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez sustained an injury during Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain. The center-back was forced off the field just before half-time in the match where Ferran Torres scored the only goal in extra time after Argentina was reduced to 10 men. This incident raised concerns back in Manchester regarding his fitness.
Martinez is reportedly dealing with a thigh issue. This injury is different from previous setbacks that have affected his career at Manchester United, which include foot, knee, and calf injuries. His first season at Old Trafford was cut short by a fractured metatarsal, and various ailments led him to miss 41 games during the 2023–24 campaign. He also missed substantial periods due to a torn ACL.
Despite his history of injuries, the current thigh issue sustained in the World Cup final is not believed to be a major concern. Manchester United is optimistic that Martinez will be fit for the start of the 2026–27 Premier League season. The team is scheduled to visit Hull City for the opening weekend.
Fan Sentiment and Other Injury Concerns
Following Martinez’s latest injury, a poll was conducted among supporters regarding his future at Manchester United. Of the 5,024 respondents, 58 per cent voted against keeping him, citing his frequent injuries. However, 37 per cent disagreed, acknowledging his unreliability but emphasizing the team’s improved performance when he is available. Only five per cent were undecided.
Martinez is currently on his post-World Cup break, and the full extent of his injury is still being assessed by the club. However, there is optimism that the injury will not result in a prolonged absence.
Martinez is not the only defensive injury concern for Manchester United. Matthijs de Ligt, another defender, is also on the road to recovery from a back injury. De Ligt last played for Manchester United in November 2025. He underwent a corrective procedure in May, which was expected to keep him out for the summer, with a return targeted for the start of the 2026–27 season. However, his recovery has been delayed, and a return in the autumn is now the target.
The club has not yet made any defensive additions in the summer transfer window. Manager Michael Carrick is expected to rely on his current squad and hopes to have De Ligt available soon, though the Dutchman still has a considerable way to go before reaching full fitness.
Martinez was named in FIFA’s Dream XI, recognizing his individual performance during the tournament, despite Argentina’s loss in the final. The final match saw Martinez and his center-back partner Cristian Romero both succumb to injuries after resisting Spanish pressure.
Martinez has also addressed criticism directed at Argentina following their 2026 World Cup campaign. He described the criticism as an unjustified campaign, stating that there is “no real reason” for people to hate the national team.
He insisted that Argentina has always been respectful towards opponents, despite accusations of aggressive play and controversial incidents during the tournament. Martinez’s comments came after the team’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final.
The defender had previously responded to criticism after the final defeat on social media, stating that “the fall of the great is the happiness of the mediocre.”
Source: si.com
As NewsGB's Senior Football Correspondent, Jack Ferndale reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He covered north-east football for a regional daily. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Jack lives in Sunderland, where he watches lower-league football home and away. “The story is in the squad, not just the starting eleven.”
