Lisandro Martinez: Carrick delivers injury update

Michael Carrick has eased fears over Lisandro Martinez’s fitness, confirming the Argentine is “a lot closer” than fellow defender Patrick to a return and could be available “in a matter of days.”

The centre-back missed Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over Everton after sustaining a knock in training, forcing Carrick to hand Leny Yoro a first Premier League start. The 18-year-old Frenchman seized the opportunity, helping United secure a third clean sheet in five matches since Carrick took interim charge.

Speaking to club media, Carrick said: “Licha is a lot closer than Patrick is. It will be a matter of days hopefully, it won’t be too long. We’ll assess him over the next day or two, and see where he is.”

The update suggests Martinez has an outside chance of being included in the squad for next weekend’s meeting with Newcastle, though Crystal Palace on Sunday is expected to come too soon.

Martinez’s absence against Everton continued an injury-plagued spell for the 28-year-old World Cup winner, who has endured several lay-offs since arriving from Ajax. Despite those setbacks, United remain committed to the defender, with negotiations over a contract extension—his current deal runs to 2027—understood to be under consideration.

Carrick also provided brief updates on Mason Mount and Matthijs de Ligt, placing Mount ahead of De Ligt in the recovery timeline but emphasising the medical staff will “get the boys back as soon as we can.”

United’s improved defensive record—five goals conceded in five games—has cushioned the impact of Martinez’s latest setback, yet his anticipated return would bolster Carrick’s options as the club looks to climb the table.