MANCHESTER UNITED remains optimistic that Lisandro Martinez will return to play before the end of this calendar year.
The 27-year-old has yet to resume team training, eight months after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez could make his return before the end of 2025.
Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that the team misses the Argentine player.
The center-back began outdoor training towards the end of United’s pre-season tour in late July and continues to engage in individual sessions as part of his rehabilitation.
United may choose to wait until after the November international matches to gradually reintegrate Martinez into the squad.
Martinez was included in United’s new leadership group during the summer and traveled with his teammates to the Etihad Stadium last month to offer additional support.
The former defender has been staying at the club’s Carrington training facility to observe training sessions and participate in team meetings.
Martinez joined United in July 2022 but has faced several significant injuries during his three years at the club.
The Argentina international fractured his metatarsal in April 2023 and required corrective surgery five months later, sidelining him until January 2024.
Martinez also experienced another lengthy absence towards the end of the 2023-24 season due to a calf injury before rupturing his ACL during the 2-0 home defeat in February.
He has started all seven of United’s Premier League matches on the left side of coach Ruben Amorim’s back three.
Amorim prefers a left-footed player to occupy the left side, and Shaw, traditionally a left back, has been redefined as a full-time center back.
Winter transfer window signing, 18, has only started four times for United since his arrival from .
Last month, Amorim stated that the team “misses Martinez a lot” amid their challenging start to the season and expressed eagerness to have the Argentine back.
He remarked: “When you sustain an injury, there’s a phase where you recover the hard part quickly, followed by a tedious phase where it seems like you aren’t progressing.”
“We greatly miss Licha, especially at this moment; we miss his intensity in everything he does; we need him.”
“However, he’s always present in every meeting. In training, he sometimes finishes his session and stays to watch the others. We need Licha on this team.”
United’s only other concern is with defender , who is expected to return later this month after suffering a thigh injury.
The Red Devils relieved some pressure on Amorim this weekend with a crucial 2-0 victory over Sunderland at .
However, the team faces a challenging test next as they head to Premier League champions Liverpool after the international break.
