Lisandro Martinez has rejoined Manchester United first team training after eight months out with a serious ACL injury. The 27-year-old centre-back took part in training at Carrington on Wednesday, his first since the injury he suffered against Crystal Palace in February. The return is seen as a key development for United’s defensive options throughout the season. Martinez’s rehabilitation has been closely monitored by the club’s medical staff and his involvement in training signals progress towards a potential return to competitive action.
The injury occurred at the end of United’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford when Martinez was pulled up and subsequently required surgery. Since then, manager Ruben Amorim has been cautious about setting a date for Martinez’s return to the matchday squad, emphasizing the priority of the player’s long-term fitness over immediate availability.
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Martinez, who is under contract with Manchester United until 2027, began outdoor training at the end of July and was seen performing individual exercises at Carrington earlier this month. His recovery has been gradual, with a focus on strengthening his injured knee and regaining match fitness before re-engaging in full training with his teammates.
Manager Ruben Amorim addressed Martinez’s status, stating,
“He feels good,” Ruben said. “The knee is responding really well, so I don’t want to say one specific day or week.
“I don’t know, but the start of training with the team is coming. Then it depends on Licha’s rhythm, if he wins the place or not, it will depend on him, but he is closer to returning to training.”
While Martinez’s progress is encouraging, he is not expected to be included in the squad for Saturday’s Premier League game against Nottingham Forest. There remains the possibility that he could return to the matchday squad for the match against Tottenham in north London the following weekend, depending on his fitness and training performances.
Since his arrival at Manchester United in July 2022, Martinez has faced several setbacks due to injury. He missed more games due to injury than he played for the club, totaling 92 games and 91 appearances. Previous injuries have included a fractured metatarsal and subsequent corrective surgery, followed by another knee injury earlier this year.
In his absence, United have adjusted their defensive line-up. Luke Shaw has played all of the last Premier League games as part of Amorim’s back three. Meanwhile, Harry Maguire missed the last game due to a knock, but before that he contributed the decisive goal against Liverpool.
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Published on:
October 30, 2025
