Injuries to key defenders this season have been a huge problem for Manchester United with Harry Maguire the latest centre-back to be ruled out for three weeks.
The Red Devils are already missing several defenders with both first-choice centre-backs and left-backs on the injury list.
However, with Lisandro Martinez back in training following a muscle injury, it gives manager Eric Ten Hag some optimism that the Argentinian could feature against the league leaders.
Maguire’s injury leaves United at breaking point
Harry Maguire is the latest absentee for Manchester United with the defender suffering an injury in training that is expected to rule him out for three weeks.
Whilst the defender will miss the remaining league games, he is expected to return in time for the FA Cup final which is a relief for Ten Hag.
United already are without Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Willy Kambwala, Victor Lindelöf and Raphael Varane which leaves Ten Hag in dire need of defenders ahead of the Arsenal game.
The only available defenders are Jonny Evans, Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka with midfielder Casemiro forced to play centre back against Coventry and in the Premier League.
Lisandro Martinez back in training ahead of return
Ten Hag’s first choice centre back Lisandro Martinez is back in training ahead of Sunday’s clash.
With the defender spending a lot of time on the sidelines already this season, it would be surprising if the Argentine does start against the Gunners.
Manchester United fans will be glad to see Martinez back in training with the former Ajax player an integral part of the way Ten Hag wants his team to play.
With only Evans as their fit centre back Ten Hag and United fans will be hoping that Martinez can play as soon as possible but will be conscious of not rushing the player back too soon.
Manchester United defender statuses for the Arsenal game next weekend:
✅ Jonny Evans
✅ Diogo Dalot
✅ Aaron Wan-Bissaka
❔ Lisandro Martínez
❌ Harry Maguire
❌ Raphaël Varane
❌ Luke Shaw
❌ Tyrell Malacia
❌ Victor Lindelöf
❌ Willy Kambwala pic.twitter.com/G4zPG18o0a— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) May 5, 2024
Left-back a concern for Manchester United
The most troubled spot for Manchester United has been left back this season with both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia being injured and their return is not expected anytime soon.
Shaw has struggled with injuries since his Manchester United transfer back in 2014 with his latest setback due to a muscle injury.
His replacement Tyrell Malacia hasn’t played any games this entire season after suffering knee problems last season that have limited his workload.
United did have Sergio Regullión on loan from Tottenham at the start of the season but terminated that deal in January which has resulted in Ten Hag switching Dalot over to left back for cover.
With the injury list ever-growing at Manchester United, the club will need severe reinforcements in the summer to cope with the demands of the Premier League and the congested fixture list.
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