Martinez, Varane injuries deal huge blow to Man United’s top 4 hopes

Manchester United has confirmed that Lisandro Martinez will be out for the remainder of the 2022-23 season due to a fractured metatarsal, which he sustained during Thursday’s Europa League draw against Sevilla.

The injury occurred in the closing stages of the game, with Martinez being carried from the field by his Argentina teammates, Marcos Acuna, and Gonzalo Montiel. With no substitutions remaining, United had to play the rest of the quarter-final first-leg clash with ten men, and Sevilla took advantage to secure a 2-2 draw after being two goals down.

A statement from the club announced that the Argentinian defender will not feature again this season but is expected to make a full recovery in time for the start of next season.

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Raphael Varane, another United defender, was also forced to leave the game at halftime due to an injury, and he is expected to be out of action for a few weeks.

Martinez and Varane have played a crucial role in United’s defence this season, starting together in 16 of United’s 29 Premier League games during Ten Hag’s first season in charge.

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The absence of both defenders will be a huge blow for United as they strive to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League.

With Martinez and Varane out, United will rely on Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof for their forthcoming fixtures. The Red Devils are also without leading goalscorer Marcus Rashford, who is suffering from a muscle injury, and Bruno Fernandes, who will be suspended for next week’s trip to Seville.

Despite these setbacks, United will aim to boost their hopes of a top-four finish at Nottingham Forest on Sunday ahead of Thursday’s return fixture against Sevilla.