Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that Lisandro Martinez is expected back at the club "in the coming days", with the centre-back well on course to return for the start of pre-season.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed an excellent first campaign at Old Trafford, featuring on 45 occasions in all competitions, but his season came to an end when he suffered a fractured metatarsal against Sevilla in the Europa League on April 13.

Initially, there had been fears that Martinez had damaged his Achilles, which could have ruled him out for the remainder of 2023, but the Argentina international swiftly underwent an operation on his foot and has been recovering in recent weeks.

Martinez will remain on the sidelines for Man United's last two games of the season against Fulham and Manchester City, but Ten Hag has said that the centre-back will return to Carrington "in the coming days".

"I am expecting Lisandro Martinez back at the club in the coming days. He will be ready for the start of pre-season," the Dutchman told Viaplay when asked for an update on the defender.

Man United will conclude their Premier League season at home to Fulham on Sunday afternoon.

The Red Devils secured a top-four spot in the table by beating Chelsea 4-1 on Thursday night, but they need to overcome the Cottagers to be certain of finishing third ahead of Newcastle United.

Ten Hag's side will then switch their attention to the FA Cup final against Premier League champions Man City, who are bidding to win a famous treble this season.

Man United's preparations for the 2023-24 campaign will begin against Leeds United on July 12 before heading to the United States for their pre-season tour, with Martinez on course to be involved.

The centre-back, who helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup, has featured on 27 occasions in the Premier League this season, scoring once, with his goal coming against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Martinez had formed an impressive centre-back partnership with Raphael Varane before his injury, and he is again expected to be a vital player for Ten Hag's side next season.

However, Man United are believed to be keen to sign another central defender this summer, with Napoli's Kim Min-jae being heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Harry Maguire has continued to struggle for regular action, even in the absence of Martinez, and the club captain is set to depart the Red Devils this summer in search of first-team football. body check tags ::