Manchester United have received a significant boost as defender Lisandro Martinez steps up his recovery from a long-term knee injury, with the Argentine centre-back pictured back in training alongside teammate Joshua Zirkzee.
Training Return Sparks Optimism
The World Cup winner has been sidelined since February with a severe knee problem but has now returned to Carrington training ground to regain full fitness. Martinez was reportedly given medical clearance to train with the Argentina national team during the November international break to improve his match readiness.
Netherlands international Zirkzee added to the growing optimism by sharing an Instagram story showing himself with Martinez and several youth team players, suggesting they had won a practice match with the defender coming through unscathed. "Young lads made it easy for us @lisandromartinezzz," Zirkzee posted.
Amorim's Cautious Approach
United head coach Ruben Amorim has previously refused to commit to a specific return date for Martinez, though he expressed satisfaction with the player's progress when questioned in late October. "He's feeling well," the Portuguese manager stated. "The knee is responding really well, so I don't want to say one specific day or one week."
Amorim did confirm that Martinez is "near to start the training with the team" but emphasised that securing a place in the matchday squad would depend on the player's fitness levels and performance in training.
United's Defensive Dilemma
The United manager has been vocal about how much Martinez's absence has affected the team's defensive capabilities, particularly their ability to play out from the back - a quality the Argentine possesses in abundance. "We miss a lot, Licha, especially in this moment," Amorim admitted. "We miss his aggression in everything he does, we miss him."
This shortage has reportedly led United to adopt a more direct approach from defence, a tactic noted by Liverpool manager Arne Slot following his side's shock home defeat to Amorim's team last month.
However, Martinez won't automatically reclaim his starting position, with Luke Shaw having featured in every Premier League match this campaign as the left-sided centre-half and likely retaining his place for Monday night's encounter with Everton at Goodison Park.
Amorim is expected to provide a definitive update on Martinez's availability during his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of the crucial Premier League fixture.
