Erik ten Hag has backed ‘fighter’ Lisandro Martinez to return stronger after the Manchester United defender’s latest setback.
Martinez has been ruled out until April after sustaining a knee injury in the 3-0 win over West Ham last weekend, having only recently returned from a foot problem that has restricted his involvement this season.
The Argentina international’s latest absence is a major blow to the Red Devils, who have shown improved form of late with three consecutive wins.
Ten Hag discussed the injury this week and has backed the centre-back to return ‘stronger’ from his knee ligament damage, calling the 26-year-old a ‘fighter’.
“It is a setback of course,” the Manchester United manager said.
“Licha was returning and you see his contribution to the team when he is playing, apart from the technical skills also the mentality.
“It is a big setback for Licha, he is very disappointed but he is a fighter.
“He will be back, stronger back and will play by the end of the season.
“As a a squad we have to replace him and we have players who can play there and will play there.”
Manchester United travel to face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, looking to close the gap on the fourth-placed Villans in the race for Champions League qualification.
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