Leandro Martinez Injures Again, Heavy Blow For Manchester United

Manchester United defender duo Leandro Lindelof (left) and Victor Lindelof (right) are absent for one month due to injury. (X/@ManUtd)

JAKARTA - Again, Manchester United defender Leandro Martinez. The third injury this season has made Martinez miss Manchester United again.

The nickname may be fierce, the ticketer is the butcher's eyebrows. Getting that designation because Martinez never compromises and is good at his opponent's tackles without mercy.

But Martinez the butcher is very prone to injury. Finally, he just returned to play against Brentford, Sunday, March 31, 2024 in the morning WIB.

Even in that match, Martinez only appeared as a substitute. He was only played in the 69th minute replacing Victor Lindelof in the match which ended in the 1-1 draw.

This is Martinez's first appearance after being sidelined for eight weeks due to a knee injury. After the game, he had no problems.

But when he returned to training Martinez was injured again. This time he had a muscle injury that made Martinez absent during April.

This season is the worst for Martinez because of his finger countable appearance. The 26-year-old defender has only appeared in 11 games.

He was previously sidelined for three months after undergoing surgery on his right leg due to a metatarsal injury in October 2023.

Martinez's injury is certainly a tough blow for Manchester United who are trying to get a ticket to the Champions League next season. How not, the Red Devils will face two tough matches.

MU played an away match against Chelsea in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge Stadium, Friday, April 5, 2024 in the morning WIB. Furthermore, on Sunday, April 7, 2024, WIB, MU met Liverpool again.

The two teams last met in the FA Cup quarter-finals. At that time, MU dramatically won 4-3 over Liverpool through extra time.

Now, MU will face the two rivals without Martinez which has caused the back sector to experience a crisis.

Moreover, Lindelof was also absent due to a hamstring injury which made him replaced by Martinez in the match against Brentford. The Sweden defender will be out for several weeks.

"Victor Lindelof and Leandro Martinez will be absent for at least a month due to muscle problems. Lindelof was pulled out in Premier League's match against Brentford last Saturday, due to a harmstring injury," the club said in an official statement.

"Victor was replaced by Martinez in the 69th minute. This is the first appearance of this Argentine national team player since last February. Unfortunately Licha later suffered a calf injury during training and had to rest for several matches," MU explained further.

Without them, MU is in a tough crisis. In that sector, manager Erik ten Hag has lost defenders, Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw andatur Malacia.

Practically, only the centre-back duo, Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane, are fit. As for the full back position, there are Diogo Dalot, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Willy Kambwala.

If there are still lack of defenders, Ten Hag will attract defensive midfielder Casemiro to occupy a position at the heart of the defense.

MU, who is in sixth position, is still struggling to improve its position when the competition leaves eight games remaining.

They are still 11 points behind Aston Villa, who is ranked fourth. However, MU still has one postponed match against Newcastle United.