Manchester United FC’s defensive stalwart Lisandro Martínez has spoken publicly about the frustrating setback that ruled him out of the club’s recent victory over Everton FC.
Known for his aggressive defending, fearless mentality, and emotional intensity on the pitch, the Argentine centre-back revealed a rare moment of vulnerability after what many supporters had viewed as the start of a powerful comeback phase in his career.
Ahead of the trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Martínez’s omission from Michael Carrick’s matchday squad sparked concern among fans and pundits alike.
The 28-year-old had only recently returned to competitive action following a grueling nine-month rehabilitation period after suffering a serious ACL rupture.
His road back to fitness demanded discipline, patience, and resilience, and he had just begun to look like the commanding presence at the heart of United’s defense once again. Just as momentum seemed to be building, however, another hurdle surfaced.
The issue arose during a standard training session at Carrington. Martínez reportedly experienced an abrupt tightness in his calf — something that initially did not appear alarming.
However, given his recent injury history, the club’s medical department acted quickly and arranged detailed scans to determine the extent of the problem. The diagnosis confirmed a calf strain.
While not categorized as a major injury, it was significant enough to require careful management and immediate precaution.
Privately, Martínez admitted that the development was difficult to process. After dedicating months to rebuilding strength and regaining match sharpness, being told to temporarily step back again proved emotionally taxing.
He acknowledged that although he prides himself on mental toughness and an unyielding attitude, the advice from medical staff left him feeling both disappointed and frustrated.
For a competitor who thrives on involvement and leadership, enforced rest can feel like a setback beyond the physical dimension.
Doctors explained that the strain is not uncommon in players returning from ACL reconstruction. Following such surgery, surrounding muscles often compensate to protect the previously injured knee.
As intensity levels increase, those muscle groups can become overloaded, raising the likelihood of minor strains. In Martínez’s case, the calf absorbed additional stress during his return to full training.
As a precautionary measure, medical staff have recommended a rest period of up to two weeks. The priority is prevention — ensuring a manageable strain does not escalate into a more serious complication. Within the club, there remains confidence that the issue is short-term.
Optimism surrounds his recovery timeline, and there is hope he will soon resume training and potentially feature in upcoming fixtures if progress continues smoothly.
During his absence, promising youngster Leny Yoro is expected to partner with Harry Maguire in central defense as United continue their campaign.
Despite the frustration, Martínez’s mindset remains defiant. He has made it clear that this is merely another challenge in a career defined by resilience — and one he is determined to overcome with the same fighting spirit that has endeared him to supporters.
