Erik ten Hag provides Lisandro Martinez update after injury scare

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 02 February 2024

Ten Hag provides Martinez update after injury scare

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag calms the injury fears surrounding Lisandro Martinez ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with West Ham United.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has played down fears that Lisandro Martinez suffered a recurrence of a foot injury during Thursday's Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Martinez was substituted in the latter stages of the contest at Molineux, and he had a heavy strapping and ice on the same foot which has undergone two operations over the last year.

The Argentina international initially suffered a fractured metatarsal last April, which led to him undergoing an operation, and he then needed more surgery towards the start of this season, as scans revealed that the bone had not fully healed, leading to more pain in the area.

Martinez made his return as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur on January 14 before starting against Newport County and Wolves, but there were fears over his fitness when he was pictured undergoing treatment on the bench in the latter stages of the game at Molineux.

Ten Hag has said that his withdrawal in the 4-3 victory was "a precaution", suggesting that the 25-year-old will be fit for Sunday's Premier League clash with West Ham United.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pictured on February 1, 2024 © Reuters

"It was a precaution. I took him off because, actually I had to sub Rasmus [Hojlund] because he was dead with all his running! But then we needed an extra header but, also for Licha, I think he is a long way out," Ten Hag told reporters during his press conference.

"We brought Harry [Maguire] on for [an] extra header and Omari Forson for Rasmus."

Ten Hag also said that Casemiro's booking and his fitness, having only just returned from an injury lay-off, contributed to the Brazilian being substituted in the 73rd minute of Thursday's game.

"Also, he has to catch up as well. And Case, I know, the more games he is going to play, the better he will be. But he needs game minutes and that is why he takes most benefit from [that], at the moment," said the manager.

"Also, with another foul, maybe he [would] be sent off, so I couldn't take the risk."

Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo celebrates scoring their fourth goal on February 1, 2024 © Reuters

Ten Hag also confirmed ahead of the West Ham match that Sofyan Amrabat would be back in training on Saturday, with the midfielder's Morocco side eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations by South Africa.

Meanwhile, Victor Lindelof has a chance of returning to the squad on Sunday, but Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all set to remain unavailable for selection.

"Sofyan will return on Saturday in the training. Ty [Tyrell Malacia] and Mason Mount, I don't expect them back, but Victor Lindelof, I think he is on his way back. He trained with the team on Wednesday and we have to see how far he is [along]," added the Dutchman.

"Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also on the way back. He could be available but I don't think he will make it for Sunday. But I'm not sure at this moment. There is a problem in his leg."

Man United's 4-3 success over Wolves moved them onto 35 points in the Premier League table, which has left them in seventh position, one point behind sixth-placed West Ham.