Michael Carrick has reportedly gave a favourable report on Lisandro Martinez’s fitness, indicating the defender should be able to feature in Manchester United’s match against Leeds United at Old Trafford.
Due to a calf injury, Martinez has missed United’s previous five games. He last appeared in the team’s 1-1 Premier League away tie with West Ham on February 10.
Last month, there were expectations that Martinez would return for United’s game against Aston Villa. However, the 28-year-old centre-back experienced another “slight reaction” on the training pitch.
The Argentina international was also forced to miss the Red Devils’ 1-1 draw with Bournemouth prior to the international break due to the setback. Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire continued to play for the team.
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But Maguire’s sending off at the Vitality Stadium means the England centre-half will be suspended for next Monday’s contest versus Leeds – and Martinez has been stepping up his rehabilitation in a race to be back fit.
Carrick Speaks
“The break has actually worked in our favour in some ways in terms of getting players back,” Carrick said in an interview with United’s in-house media team.
“Mason [Mount] is back in and around it and has been training. He’s had that period of time to build it up.
“To have Licha [Martinez] back in and around us this week is good
“Obviously Harry [Maguire] is going to miss the [Leeds] game so to have Licha back in and around it, with Leny [Yoro] and Ayden [Heaven], we just want to keep getting stronger as a group really.
“That’s part of what we’re trying to do this week.”
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