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Premier League | Gameweek 5

Sep 16, 2023 at 3pm UK

Old Trafford

Man Utd
1 - 3
Brighton

Mejbri (73')
Fernandes (45+3'), Mejbri (90+2')

FT(HT: 0-1)

Welbeck (20'), Gross (53'), Pedro (71')
Lamptey (4'), Paul van Hecke (24')

Manchester United handed Lisandro Martinez injury boost

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 15 September 2023

Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez will be available for Saturday's Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford.

The Argentina international was forced off the field against Arsenal before the international break due to a foot injury, but he still linked up with his country during the break.

Martinez was not involved in either World Cup qualifier against Bolivia or Ecuador, fuelling suggestions that he would miss out against Brighton this weekend.

However, Man United head coach Erik ten Hag said during his press conference on Friday afternoon that the South American was fit to face the Seagulls at Old Trafford.

Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez in action with Arsenal's Kai Havertz on September 3, 2023 © Reuters

Victor Lindelof is also available, with the centre-back featuring for Sweden during the international break after recovering from the illness that forced him off against Arsenal.

As a result, Martinez and Lindelof are set to start in the middle of the defence against Brighton, with Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans on the bench.

Ten Hag also said that both Raphael Varane and Mason Mount are in the latter stages of their injury recoveries.

"Both are in a good place," said the manager. "They are shortly coming [towards] a return."

Antony and Jadon Sancho are both out, with the former remaining in Brazil to deal with a personal issue, while the latter is training away from the first team following his fall-out with Ten Hag.

Manchester United attacker Jadon Sancho on July 22, 2023 © Reuters

Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Tyrell Malacia, Amad Diallo and Tom Heaton are also still on the sidelines for the 20-time English champions due to injury problems.

New signing Sofyan Amrabat pulled out of the Morocco squad during the international break due to an injury, although it is understood that he could be available to make his debut for the club on Saturday.

Ten Hag has a big decision to make on the right side of the attack, with Bruno Fernandes or Facundo Pellistri expected to start in that position this weekend.

Man United will follow Saturday's game against Brighton with a trip to Germany to take on Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in their Champions League opener next week.