Manchester United have been dealt a bitter blow after defender Lisandro Martinez was ruled out for the rest of the season.
The defender, who has been one of United's standout players so far this term, was carried off the pitch by Sevilla players during Thursday night's 2-2 Europa League draw at Old Trafford after worryingly stopping in his tracks while under no pressure late in the game and grabbing his right ankle in pain. United have now confirmed that the Argentine has fractured a metatarsal bone in his foot, cutting his first season with the club short, but insisting a full recovery should be made before the start of the next campaign.
Meanwhile the club have also confirmed that Raphael Varane has been ruled out for "a few weeks". The Frenchman was replaced by Harry Maguire at half-time during the midweek tie after he had gone down.
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Speaking earlier in the day during his pre-match press conference before Sunday's Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest, United boss Erik ten Hag had said: "I can't say in this moment [how long Martinez will be out]. When we have news we will give it straight to you. Let's do the medical, a full assessment, complete diagnosis, it doesn't change in this moment. I have an idea, but I don't cause speculation.
"It's not even 24 hours, so I don't have a complete diagnosis. I can't tell in this moment." That diagnosis has now come back and Martinez joins Donny van de Beek as the second season-ending injury United have suffered this season. The midfielder suffered a serious knee injury during January and will not return until pre-season.
Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho are also currently sidelined and will miss the Forest match, but it is hoped they will return in the coming weeks. Ten Hag did provide some positive news on the injury front though, admitting Luke Shaw could be back to bolster a depleted defence on Sunday afternoon.
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