“Not 100% fit” – Erik ten Hag feels sad for Manchester United star after injury relapse

Erik ten Hag Expresses Concern Over Lisandro Martinez’s Injury

Erik ten Hag recently addressed the unfortunate injury of Manchester United’s star defender, Lisandro Martinez, in an interview reported by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano. Ten Hag expressed his sadness about Martinez’s prolonged absence due to the injury.

Martinez initially suffered a foot injury in April, which sidelined him for the latter part of the previous season. Upon his return to the team in the summer, his condition seemed to deteriorate. He played for United against Brighton and Bayern Munich but didn’t participate in international matches for Argentina during the recent break.

These prolonged absences can affect a player’s confidence, which could be a concern for the club. Ten Hag remarked, “We conducted a thorough diagnosis, both in Argentina and here, but it has now become evident that there was an underlying problem. It’s disheartening for him and the team, as he wasn’t operating at 100%.”

Ten Hag emphasized the stark difference between the recent performances of Lisandro Martinez and the player who first arrived at the club. Martinez initially sustained the injury on April 13, 2023, during United’s Europa League quarterfinal match against Sevilla. He underwent surgery five days later to address the issue.

Raphael Varane, another player prone to injuries, faces the challenge of filling the void left by Martinez’s two-month suspension. In Martinez’s absence, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelof may have to step up in the central defense.

Last season, United’s defense was one of the team’s strengths, largely due to the formidable partnership of Martinez and Varane. Martinez has consistently been a key player over the past year, delivering strong performances.

His absence from the squad is undoubtedly a setback for United. How Erik ten Hag manages this situation may significantly influence the course of the season for the club.