Lisandro Martínez
MUN
CB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Jan 18, 1998 (28)
Left
5'9"
159 lb
Man UtdOn bench in return
Martinez (thigh) is back in United's squad for Saturday's final friendly against AC Milan, making the bench, the club posted.
Analysis: Martinez had missed the previous match against Leeds United, with coach Michael Carrick saying at the time he wasn't quite ready and was being held back specifically for this fixture. He was heavily involved in Argentina's World Cup run before suffering the thigh injury that sidelined him, contributing a goal and an assist over seven matches, and if fully fit by the start of the season, he figures to reclaim his undisputed role in the Red Devils' back line.
Named in squad vs. Milan
Martinez (thigh) is back in Manchester United's squad to face AC Milan, the club announced.
Analysis: Martinez's return to the squad comes after he missed Wednesday's match against Leeds, with coach Michael Carrick saying at the time the player wasn't quite ready and was being preserved specifically for this fixture. He was heavily involved in Argentina's World Cup run before suffering the thigh injury, contributing through passes and decisive actions on both ends of the field, and scoring a goal and an assist over seven matches. If fully fit by the start of the season, he'll be a strong candidate to feature at the expense of Ayden Heaven. Martinez is expected to build up his match fitness in this final preseason test.
Targeting return in Milan friendly
Martinez (thigh) didn't play in Wednesday's clash against Leeds, with coach Michael Carrick saying "Marcus [Rashford], Licha [Martinez] and Kobbie [Mainoo] aren't quite ready yet. We're preserving them for this weekend [against Milan in Wroclaw].", Jamie Jackson of The Guardian reports.
Analysis: Martinez is expected to see action in the final preparation game before the EPL opener versus Hull City, but it remains to be seen when he'll be back in the initial lineup. He was heavily involved in Argentina's World Cup run before suffering the injury, and he was a key piece of his nation's defense, contributing through passes and decisive actions on both ends of the field, and scoring one goal and one assist over seven matches. If he's fully fit by the start of the new season, he'll be a strong candidate to feature at the expense of Ayden Heaven.
Unlikely to face Leeds
Martinez is unlikely to feature against Leeds United at Croke Park on Wednesday after only completing a handful of training sessions but is likely to play at least 30 minutes against AC Milan on Saturday, according to Samuel Luckhurst of The Sun.
Analysis: Martinez was forced off in the first half of the World Cup final against Spain with an apparent thigh injury, though it was later confirmed to be nothing serious. He reported for Manchester United duty in Ireland on Monday night but has only managed a handful of training sessions since, which makes him unlikely to be involved when United face Leeds United. The plan instead points to easing him in with at least half an hour of action in the friendly against AC Milan on Saturday, ahead of the season opener, a sensible buildup given he is expected to be a key figure in United's backline after starting every league match when available under head coach Michael Carrick.
Arrives in Ireland for preseason
Martinez has arrived in Ireland to prepare for the new 2026/27 Premier League season with Manchester United, according to the club.
Analysis: Martinez was recently spotted doing individual training while on holiday in Ibiza, an encouraging early sign after his thigh injury cut short Argentina's World Cup semifinal against Spain. He had started all seven of the tournament's matches, recording two clean sheets, seven interceptions, 13 tackles and 36 clearances along with a goal and an assist, and his arrival with the squad now shifts focus to building back toward full fitness after already battling back from an ACL injury that wrecked his previous campaign, with United's season opener against Hull City set for August 22.
Doing individual work on holiday
Martinez (thigh) has been spotted doing individual training while on holiday in Ibiza, according to Manchester United Forever.
Analysis: Martinez had left the pitch in the 44th minute of Argentina's World Cup semifinal against Spain with an apparent thigh injury, ending his tournament after starting all seven of the team's matches, during which he recorded two clean sheets, seven interceptions, 13 tackles and 36 clearances, along with a goal and an assist. He battled back from the ACL injury that wrecked his previous campaign, returning around November to play a key role in United's third place finish last season, making his fitness heading into the new campaign worth monitoring given that recent history. This early individual work is an encouraging sign that his recovery is progressing well ahead of United's Aug. 22 season opener against Hull City. Martinez is expected to continue building up his fitness before officially rejoining the squad.
Exits final with injury
Martinez left the pitch in the 44th minute of Sunday's match against Spain due to an apparent thigh injury.
Analysis: Martinez would pick up a yellow in the 40th minute and would quickly exit the match after that, as he went to the ground holding his thigh with an apparent injury, leaving Nicolas Otamendi to take his spot. This will end his World Cup run, starting in all seven of his appearances, while recording two clean sheets, seven interceptions, 13 tackles and 36 clearances. He would also add a goal and an assist that would help them past Cape Verde in the round of 32. The major concern for the defender now is his health as they head into the Premier League season, as he is a starter for Manchester United and was already absent for a decent chunk of last season due to injury. He will now hope to use the next month to recover, with United kicking off league action Aug. 22 against Hull City.
Busy before sub
Martinez registered four clearances in Wednesday's 2-1 win versus England. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 42nd minute.
Analysis: Martinez made four clearances and took a tactical yellow card before he was subbed off during the second half. The defender had plenty to do in the first half as England traded blows, but then was brought off with Argentina trailing in favor of an attacker. Martinez will be back on the pitch as Argentina prepare to take on Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday.
Standout defensive display
Martinez registered two shots (one on goal) in Saturday's 3-1 win against Switzerland.
Analysis: Martinez delivered the defensive performance of the match in Saturday's 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland, combining with Emiliano Martinez in the 32nd minute to stop Breel Embolo getting a shot away from inside the box after the Swiss striker was sent clear, then producing a world-class block to deny Embolo a certain equalizer moments after the restart, also registering one interception, four tackles (four won) and four clearances across his 120 minutes. His physical dominance heading into the England semi-final makes him one of the most important players in coach Lionel Scaloni's squad.
Four tackles in victory
Martinez registered one shot (zero on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Tuesday's 3-2 victory versus Egypt.
Analysis: Martinez registered two interceptions, four tackles (four won) and seven clearances across his 90 minutes in Tuesday's 3-2 win over Egypt, initially beaten in the air by Yasser Ibrahim for Egypt's first goal when the Egyptian header rose above him to meet Marwan Attia's delivery, before recovering to make four successful tackles and keep Egypt's attack largely contained throughout the second half. The Manchester United centre-back's recovery from the opening concession was central to Argentina's defensive improvement after halftime, and his combination with Cristian Romero gives the world champions one of the most combative defensive partnerships remaining in the quarterfinals.
Two goal contributions Friday
Martinez scored one goal and assisted once from one shot and one chance created in Friday's 3-2 victory against Cape Verde.
Analysis: Martinez would come up with some of the biggest moments for Argentina in their win Friday, as the defender would begin with his first-ever World Cup assist in the 29th minute before his first World Cup goal in the 92nd minute. This was followed by a decent interception and six clearances in the defense, although his side did allow two goals. He will be a major player on the team moving forward, slated to be a starter as the knockout stages advance.
Leads team in clearances
Martinez recorded one tackle and seven clearances to go along with a clean sheet in Monday's 2-0 win over Austria.
Analysis: Martinez was starting once again Monday as he played the full 90, seeing a decent shift in the defense that led his team to a clean sheet. He would also complete over 60 passes for a second straight game, with 132 between the two starts. He also led his team in clearances with seven, a solid contribution.
Stout effort defensively
Martinez recorded two tackles (one won), four clearances and one interception in Tuesday's 3-0 win against Algeria.
Analysis: Martinez played alongside Cristian Romero at center-back, and he didn't have a lot of work throughout the game. The Manchester United center-back seems to have a leg up over Nicolas Otamendi for a starting role in the heart of the defense, but most of his value will come via clean sheets. Considering Argentina's next games are against Austria and Jordan, he could be in line for two favorable outings before the start of the knockout stages.
Expected to start for Argentina
Martinez is expected to start for Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Analysis: Martinez ended the season healthy and that should earn him a starting role in Argentina's backline, though it remains to be seen if it'll be next to Cristian Romero (knee) or Nicolas Otamendi. Martinez started in 13 of his 18 EPL outings for Manchester United and helped the Red Devils finish in third place in the standings while earning four clean sheets. His tenacity at the back should make him a lock-in starter for Lionel Scaloni's side.
Finally set for return
Martinez is no longer suspended and is an option for Manchester United again.
Analysis: Martinez is set to return in the next match after a lengthy suspension, missing their past three games. This is major for the club and defense, adding back one of their best in the department as they try to close out on a UCL spot. He should return to a starting spot immediately, building up more fitness ahead of the World Cup after a lengthy injury before the ban.
Sent off Monday
Martinez received a straight red card during the second half of Monday's match against Leeds.
Analysis: Martinez left his team with 10 men after being shown the red card due to violent conduct in the game that marked his first appearance since Feb. 10 following his recovery from a calf issue. The defender must now serve at least a three-match suspension, adding to the squad's problems while Matthijs De Ligt (back) continues to deal with an injury, although Harry Maguire should be back from his own suspension for the next visit to Chelsea.
Starting Monday
Martinez (calf) is in the starting XI for Monday's match against Leeds United.
Analysis: Martinez has been trending towards a return for the past week or so after attending a training camp with his teammates, now fit enough to start immediately. This is a major boost to the club after not having him available for much of the season due to separate injuries, likely to remain a starter until the last match of the campaign if he can remain fit.
In contention to return Monday
Martinez (calf) is back in team training and in contention to return for Monday's clash against Leeds United, though coach Michael Carrick is taking a measured approach to his comeback. "It's just that call we make. We wouldn't be pushed into anything. It's important that the boys are ready, as important as the next game always is, the most important is always the bigger picture. So, that's a decision that we'll take. He's back training, which is great, and back on the grass, but we've certainly got to make the right decision and make sure he's ready."
Analysis: Martinez has been sidelined since February's draw at West Ham, missing five consecutive matches with a calf injury, but completing training sessions in Dublin and back at Carrington puts him firmly in the frame for the Leeds United fixture. With Harry Maguire suspended, United may be forced to call upon the Argentine center-back sooner than they had originally planned, giving coach Carrick a welcome headache in the best possible sense heading into what is a crucial home fixture for the Red Devils.
Set to play Monday
Martinez (calf) is looking to be an option for Monday's match against Leeds United, according to manager Michael Carrick. "To have Licha in and around it again is good. Obviously, Harry's going to miss the game, so we've got Licha back around it."
Analysis: Martinez is on an upward trend and is looking to be fit again, as he continues to train at the camp in Dublin. This leaves him for a return against Leeds, still having a few more days to recover moving forward. The defender is a regular starter when fit, and with Harry Maguire suspended, he will likely return to that role immediately if deemed fit.
Trains in full Tuesday
Martinez (calf) is back in full team training during the club's training camp in Dublin and is targeting a return for Monday's clash against Leeds United, according to the club.
Analysis: Martinez has been sidelined since the draw with West Ham in February, missing five consecutive matches as United head into the final stretch of their Premier League season. The Argentine center-back's inclusion in the travelling squad and participation in full team sessions is the clearest sign yet that he is ready to return, with Monday's home fixture against Leeds shaping up as his comeback date. Manchester United have Champions League football on the line for next season, making the return of one of their most important defensive figures an extremely timely boost for manager Michael Carrick's side.
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