Fakayejo Paul
Manchester, UK — Manchester United has received a significant boost with the long-awaited return of defender Lisandro Martínez to full first-team training at Carrington.
The Argentine World Cup winner, nicknamed ‘The Butcher,’ joined the main squad sessions on Wednesday, marking a crucial step in his recovery from a serious knee injury sustained in February.
The Road to Recovery
- Injury Timeline: Martínez has been sidelined since early February 2025, after suffering a knee injury during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace, which required surgery.
- Progress: After months of intense individual rehabilitation, his return to full training alongside his teammates is a major milestone.
- Manager’s Stance: Manager Rubén Amorim has emphasized that the club will not rush the defender’s return to match fitness. When recently questioned, he noted, “The knee is responding really well… I don’t want to say one specific day or one week. But it’s near to start the training with the team.”
Potential November Return
While Martínez is highly unlikely to feature in the upcoming fixture against Nottingham Forest, club sources and reports suggest his return to the matchday squad could be imminent.
- Expected Availability: Martínez could potentially be available for selection later in November, possibly after the upcoming international break, as the club carefully manages his reintegration into competitive action.
- Impact: His return is a massive boost for United’s defensive options, adding his much-needed aggression, leadership, and ball-playing ability to the backline as the team navigates the demanding festive period.
Martínez has made 91 appearances for the club since joining from Ajax in 2022 and his return is expected to provide a strong lift to the squad’s confidence.