Full Breakdown
Lisandro Martinez Ruled Out of Manchester United's Clash with Everton
2/23/2026, 11:30:03 PM
Injury Details and Impact on Team
Lisandro Martinez, the 28-year-old defender for Manchester United, will miss the upcoming Premier League match against Everton due to a suspected calf injury. This absence marks a significant setback for United, as Martinez has been a key player under head coach Michael Carrick, starting in each of Carrick's five matches since taking over. Martinez had previously started nine consecutive games for the club, contributing to a notable improvement in form, including victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur.
The club anticipates that Martinez's injury will sideline him for one to two weeks, which could affect his availability for the subsequent match against Crystal Palace. In his absence, Leny Yoro is expected to partner with Harry Maguire in central defense. This change comes as United aims to solidify their position in the Premier League standings, currently seeking to move into the top four.
Background on Martinez's Injury History
Martinez's injury issues have been a recurring theme throughout his tenure at Manchester United. He returned to action in November after a nine-month recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained in February 2024. Prior to this calf injury, he had already missed a significant number of matches due to various injuries, totaling approximately 99 games missed over his career at the club, including a serious foot injury and a metatarsal fracture.
Official Statements & Responses
Michael Carrick expressed confidence in his squad's ability to adapt to Martinez's absence, highlighting the strong partnership between Martinez and Maguire that has been pivotal in recent matches. Carrick noted, “The emotion and excitement I want my side to play with has been epitomized by Martinez in his performances in recent weeks.” Meanwhile, the club's medical staff is optimistic about Martinez's recovery timeline, suggesting that he could return to training soon.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the optimism surrounding Martinez's recovery, concerns have been raised regarding his ongoing injury struggles. Critics argue that his frequent injuries could necessitate Manchester United to consider alternative defensive options in the upcoming transfer windows, particularly if his availability continues to be inconsistent.
What's Next
Following the match against Everton, Manchester United will face Crystal Palace, where they hope to have Martinez back in the lineup. The club's performance in the next few matches will be crucial as they aim to secure a Champions League spot, and the absence of key players like Martinez could significantly impact their chances.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Speaking in a TikTok video, the defender said: “In short time, for me, as I said already, I’m impressed with him, about his body language, his energy, his communication as well.” — Lisandro Martinez, Defender, Manchester United
In summary, Lisandro Martinez's calf injury poses a challenge for Manchester United as they prepare for their match against Everton, with hopes for a swift recovery to maintain their competitive edge in the Premier League.
