Lisandro Martinez returns from international duty early to prepare for Brentford clash

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has returned early from international duty.

The centre-back was a surprise addition to Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad for the March international break after missing the last six weeks of action with United after sustaining another knee injury whilst facing West Ham in February.

A decision was made for Martinez to link up with his international team-mates, whom he has won a World Cup with, but he did not feature in the matchday squad to face El Salvador in the USA. Furthermore, Martinez will not play against Costa Rica in Argentina’s next international clash.

Instead, the 26-year-old trained with his compatriots to gain fitness ahead of his eagerly awaited return to action, which could come as early as next week when United take on Brentford in the Premier League.

💪🏼🫡 @Argentina pic.twitter.com/35a72IQFZz

— Lisandro Martinez (@LisandrMartinez) March 22, 2024

Earlier this week, a report from Sky Sports News went on to suggest that United are hopeful that Martinez will be fit enough to feature in the game against The Bees.

A fresh report from the Daily Mail claims Martinez has decided to come back to Manchester early to prepare for his return with the club.

Martinez is now expected to step up training with United this week.

As the best defender at the club – by a country mile – the Argentine has been sorely missed in recent weeks as Erik ten Hag has also had to deal with injuries to Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw and Raphael Varane.

United have a busy end to the season after reaching the FA Cup semi-finals and we need Martinez fit for the run in to have the best chance possible of winning silverware and qualifying for the Champions League.

United take on Chelsea and Liverpool over the course of four days after the Brentford game, and I have a feeling Martinez could prove to be a crucial addition to Ten Hag’s team for those fixtures.

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