Erik ten Hag says he expects Lisandro Martinez back at Carrington in the next few days and hopes he will return from injury in time for the start of pre-season.
The Manchester United defender was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign after suffering a metatarsal fracture in last month’s Europa League first-leg quarter-final clash with Sevilla.
The World Cup winner has been one of United’s best players this term, featuring 45 times in his debut season following his £47m summer arrival from Ajax. He started the League Cup final triumph over Newcastle in February but will play no part in next week’s FA Cup final due to his injury.
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However, Ten Hag has now delivered a positive update on Martinez ahead of this summer’s pre-season trip to the US. Speaking to Viaplay, the Dutchman said: "I am expecting Lisandro Martinez back at the club in the coming days. He will be ready for the start of pre-season."
Martinez underwent successful surgery in the days after his injury, subsequently writing on Instagram: "Everything went really well, thanks to God! Many thanks for all of your messages. Now focusing on the recovery."
The 25-year-old has nailed down a starting spot in Ten Hag’s set-up, usurping club captain Harry Maguire to become part of the first-choice centre-back partnership alongside Raphael Varane.
He helped United keep 20 clean sheets this season and scored his first Reds goal against Arsenal in January.
United are set to play Leeds United in Oslo on July 12 before jetting off to the States for a four-game tour. They are due to face Arsenal, Lyon, Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in friendlies ahead of the new Premier League season, which begins on August 12.
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