Lisandro Martinez injury boost with update after missing eight months for Man Utd

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez is edging closer to a long-awaited return from injury, with club sources optimistic he could feature again before the end of 2025.

However, growing uncertainty over his long-term fitness is prompting United to explore alternative defensive options.

The Argentine centre-back has been sidelined since February, when he suffered a cruciate ligament injury during United’s 2–0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

The setback came as a crushing blow for both player and club, with Martínez having already endured multiple injury interruptions over the past 18 months.

Martínez has made significant progress in recent weeks, stepping up his rehabilitation and beginning light ball work at Carrington.

United’s medical team remains cautious, but the aim is to reintegrate him into full training after the November international break, provided there are no setbacks.

Manager Rúben Amorim is said to be encouraged by Martínez’s progress but realistic about the challenges ahead.

The Portuguese coach has frequently praised the 27-year-old’s leadership and composure on the ball, describing him as “a warrior who changes the team’s energy.”

However, Amorim has also admitted privately that he cannot plan his defensive setup around a player whose availability remains uncertain.

That reality has led United to keep a close eye on the transfer market. Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite remains high on the club’s radar, with reports suggesting United could reignite interest in January if Martínez’s recovery stalls.

Amorim has also experimented with Luke Shaw as a left-sided centre-back and handed opportunities to academy defender Ayden Heaven, reported The Sun.

For now, Martínez continues his fight to return to full fitness, determined to re-establish himself as a key figure in United’s back line. His return would provide a major boost for a squad that has struggled for consistency and defensive stability this season.

United fans, meanwhile, are eager for the sight of their combative Argentine back in red — and hopeful that his latest comeback marks the end of a difficult chapter rather than the beginning of another.