Lisandro Martinez injury latest at Man United, and what it means ahead of Crystal Palace
Lisandro Martinez could be back in contention to start against Crystal Palace after the Man United defender was missing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
That is according to the Daily Mail (24 February), who understand that the calf injury, which forced the Argentine to miss the clash with Everton, is only a minor problem for the Red Devils.
Martinez had started all five of Michael Carrick‘s games in charge, alongside Harry Maguire, before being absent on Monday, 23 February, but there is hope of his immediate return.
The Red Devils welcome Palace to Old Trafford on Sunday, 1 March, with the potential of moving up to third in the Premier League table if Aston Villa slip up to Wolves at Molineux Stadium.
Who could make room for the returning Lisandro Martinez?
Maguire was touch-and-go for the trip to Merseyside, but the England international was joined by Leny Yoro in the centre of defence, who had a mixed performance on the road to say the least.
With Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot almost undroppable at this point, it seems almost guaranteed that Carrick’s preferred back-four will reunite against the Eagles, protecting Senne Lammens.
Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined, having not played since the visit to Selhurst Park in November, while Patrick Dorgu could be out until the middle of April with a hamstring injury.
The manager has very few options in defence, but if Martinez is fit enough to make the matchday squad, it would be a surprise not to see him thrown straight into the starting lineup at the weekend.
Michael Carrick must improve Man United’s head-to-head vs Crystal Palace
Victory will always be the target, but it has not always been that simple against the Eagles.
In the last five meetings, Palace have won three, drawn one and lost one, with United only winning the reverse fixture due to a brilliant moment of thinking from Mason Mount.
Jean-Philippe Mateta has been a thorn in the team’s side in recent seasons, but with the French international unlikely to be playing, that is another bonus for the home side.
Jorgen Strand Larsen could lead the line. He will have a point to prove against United, so Martinez’s return could be much-needed this weekend.