Lisandro Martínez
Center Back
Ball-Playing Center Back
Jan 18, 1998 (28)
Left
5'9"
159 lb
Returns to bench against Bournemouth
Martinez (thigh) is available off the bench for Sunday's Premier League clash against Bournemouth after recovering from a thigh injury that kept him out of Wednesday's Champions League defeat to Como.
Analysis: Martinez returns to Manchester United's matchday squad after missing the midweek defeat against Como due to a thigh issue. The Argentine defender has recovered sufficiently to be considered for selection, although he will initially have to settle for a substitute role. Ayden Heaven has been selected to start alongside Harry Maguire in central defense, leaving Martinez competing for minutes off the bench. His return provides United with additional defensive depth as he works toward regaining his starting role.
Questionable for Bournemouth clash
Martinez (thigh) remains questionable for Sunday's Premier League clash against Bournemouth after missing Wednesday's Champions League defeat to Como, according to coach Michael Carrick. "We'll see what the next couple of days bring [for the others]."
Analysis: Martinez remains uncertain for Sunday's Premier League clash against Bournemouth after a thigh injury kept him out of Wednesday's Champions League defeat to Como. The Argentine defender could return to contention if he recovers in time, although his fitness remains a concern ahead of the weekend. Manchester United have regained several defensive options, with Matthijs De Ligt returning from injury, Leny Yoro available again after serving his European suspension and Ayden Heaven recovering from illness. If Martinez remains unavailable, De Ligt and Harry Maguire could continue as the starting center-back pairing, with Yoro also competing for a place in the lineup.
Not available vs. Como
Martinez (thigh) won't be available for Wednesday's UCL match against Como, manager Michael Carrick told media during Tuesday's pre-match press conference. "Licha [Martinez] is not too bad but he is not with us. We will have to see if he's ready for the weekend or not."
Analysis: Martinez won't be an option for a depleted backline, as the Red Devils will also be missing Luke Shaw (undisclosed), Ayden Heaven (illness) and Patrick Dorgu (hamstring). Without Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro are the options to provide cover at center-back. However, Carrick's words indicate the Argentina international will have a shot at playing against Bournemouth on Sunday.
Doubtful for Como clash
Martinez (thigh) was not spotted in Manchester United's team training session Tuesday and is considered doubtful for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Como after picking up an injury against Leeds United, according to Steven Railston of Manchester News.
Analysis: Martinez faces uncertainty over his availability for Wednesday's European encounter after sustaining a thigh injury during Sunday's 1-1 draw against Leeds United. The defender experienced discomfort during the first half and was replaced by Noussair Mazraoui at halftime, with coach Michael Carrick subsequently confirming that the substitution was injury-related. His absence from Tuesday's training session suggests he has yet to recover sufficiently, although the severity of the problem remains unclear. With little time remaining before the Como fixture, Martinez appears at risk of missing the match unless he makes a late recovery. Mazraoui, who recently returned from his own injury absence, could be handed another opportunity in the starting lineup if Martinez is unavailable.
Dealing with thigh injury
Martinez was substituted at halftime of Sunday's 1-1 draw against Leeds United after experiencing a thigh problem, according to coach Michael Carrick, per Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail.
Analysis: Martinez was forced to leave Sunday's draw against Leeds after struggling with thigh discomfort during the first half, having been spotted crouching down on the pitch before being replaced by Noussair Mazraoui at the break. Coach Carrick confirmed that the substitution was injury-related rather than tactical, raising concerns about the Argentine defender's availability for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Como. The severity of the issue remains unclear, and further assessments will likely be needed to determine whether Martinez can recover in time for the midweek fixture. Mazraoui, who recently returned from his own injury absence, could benefit from additional playing time if Martinez is unable to feature, providing coach Carrick with another defensive option while the Argentine's fitness is evaluated.
Withdrawn at halftime against Leeds
Martinez (knock) was substituted at halftime of Sunday's Premier League clash against Leeds United after apparently picking up a knock, according to Steven Railston.
Analysis: Martinez appeared to be struggling physically early in Sunday's encounter against Leeds, having been spotted crouching down before eventually being replaced by Noussair Mazraoui at halftime. Although a tactical substitution cannot be completely ruled out, the decision to introduce Mazraoui, who had only recently recovered from a minor injury, suggests Martinez may have been dealing with a physical issue. The nature and severity of the potential injury remain unclear, leaving his availability uncertain for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Como. Mazraoui could provide additional defensive cover if Martinez is unable to feature.
Will be part of squad
Martinez will be part of Manchester United's squad for their next match after holding a meeting with the club following his public criticism of its sporting direction in the aftermath of Tuesday's 2-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid, according to coach Michael Carrick. "It's done really. We've moved on from that. It's one of those things. Licha has come out and acknowledged the situation and, as a group, we have moved on. There's no drama for us as a group. We've trained really well this morning, there's a really good feeling around the squad, they're in really good spirits and trained really well. I mean, from the outside, you are after some information about the discussions but it was pretty simple. We all understood the situation and what it meant. Licha has given a statement and acknowledged that it was a mistake from him. That was it really. There is a really good feeling within the group, within the club, from the inside. Results-wise, it has not gone to plan but the spirit and togetherness, again, I said it but today was one of the best training sessions we have had. We understand the situation that came up after the game but we feel that has been dealt with and we've moved on. There was a freshness about the group today that I really liked."
Analysis: Martinez appears to have resolved his differences with Manchester United following discussions with the club over his comments after Tuesday's Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid. The Argentine defender had publicly questioned the club's sporting direction, raising concerns about his immediate standing within the squad. However, the situation has now been addressed internally, and the coaching staff have confirmed that he remains available for selection. Martinez has been a regular starter this season, featuring from the opening whistle in all five of his Premier League appearances while recording six shots, five tackles, four interceptions and 18 clearances.
Earns 36th Argentina cap
Martinez played 81 minutes and helped Argentina keep a clean sheet in a 4-0 win over Bolivia, earning his 36th senior international cap, according to the club.
Analysis: Martinez delivered a solid outing in central defense as Argentina comfortably shut out Bolivia before he was replaced late in the match. The center-back has also been an undisputed starter for Manchester United this season, starting all four of his Premier League appearances. Martinez has recorded six shots, three tackles, two interceptions and 13 clearances in league play, maintaining a key role in United's back line.
Scores own goal Sunday
Martinez had an own goal, four shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Fulham.
Analysis: Martinez opened the scoring Sunday, but he did it on the wrong end of the pitch. Senne Lammens parried a Fulham shot straight into Martinez, and the ball directed into the back of the net to give the home side the lead in the 63rd minute. It's a tough stat to go on Martinez's sheet, but it can hardly be characterized as his fault. Martinez desperately tried to get the goal back on the attack, recording a season-high four shots in his full 90 minutes of action.
Nets rare goal
Martinez scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Thursday's 4-0 win versus Sabah FK.
Analysis: Martinez got on a ball in the box and finished with his only shot, making the most of Thursday's absolute rout. It was never going to be a competitive match, but still a goal and assist for Martinez is about as good of an outcome as he could have hoped for. Martinez should maintain a big role moving forward, though goals aren't likely to continue.
Returns to lineup with 90 minutes
Martinez had one shot (zero on goal) in Sunday's 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town.
Analysis: Martinez returned to the Manchester United starting lineup having been an unused substitute in the game against Hull. He played the full 90 minutes and had one shot from distance which didn't find the target.
On 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.
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