Manchester United will be without Lisandro Martinez for their crucial first-leg away trip to Barcelona in their Europa League play-off.
Erik ten Hag's side failed to beat Real Sociedad by the required two-goal margin that would have seen them become group winners in their last Europa League match, as Alejandro Garnacho's first goal for the club sealed a 1-0 victory in Spain. Following the result, United now have to take part in a two-legged play-off in February to progress to the round of 16.
The Reds knew they were going to come up against one of the eight clubs that finished third in their Champions League group, with their next opponents now being confirmed. United will have to beat Barcelona over two legs if Ten Hag is to emulate the club's success in 2017 - where the club beat the Dutchman's former side Ajax in the final.
ALSO READ: Manchester United might have made their mistakes at the right time
Although United's nine-game unbeaten run came to a disappointing end against Aston Villa on Sunday, the recent momentum that Ten Hag has generated at the club has been impressive. Their fine form has been in no small part thanks to the defensive contributions of Martinez.
However, United will have the daunting prospect of travelling to the Nou Camp without their talisman centre-back, after the Argentine was cautioned for a challenge on striker Carlos Fernandez during the 1-0 win against Sociedad. The yellow card means that he will be suspended for the vital away leg against Barcelona, making an already difficult task that little bit harder for Ten Hag and his side.
Martinez will be back in action for the return to Old Trafford, the question ahead of then will whether the tie is still in the balance after the trip to Spain.
READ NEXT:
