Manchester United have revealed that Lisandro Martinez will be on the sidelines 'for at least eight weeks' with the knee injury which he suffered against West Ham United.
The Argentina international had to be replaced in the 71st minute of Sunday's 3-0 victory over the Hammers, having picked up a knee injury, and Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag admitted after the contest that he was concerned.
Man United have now confirmed that the centre-back has injured his medial collateral ligament, which will keep him out of action 'for at least eight weeks'.
"Lisandro Martinez has sustained an injury to the medial collateral ligament in his knee and is expected to be out of action for at least eight weeks," read a statement on the club's official website.
"The Argentine defender left the field in the 71st minute of our 3-0 win over West Ham United at Old Trafford on Sunday. We all wish Licha a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch later in the season."
There had initially been concern that Martinez had damaged his ACL, which would have led to surgery and a lengthy recovery, but as it stands, he is on course to return before the end of the campaign.
Martinez made his return from a foot injury against Tottenham Hotspur on January 14, which proved to be his first appearance since the middle of September.
The 26-year-old was forced to undergo a second foot operation of the year towards the start of the season, as the initial surgery back in April failed to fully address his fractured metatarsal.
Martinez, who has been restricted to just eight appearances in the Premier League this season, is now facing another lengthy period on the sidelines.
While the news is a major setback for Man United, both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have returned to action following injury issues.
Maguire made his first Premier League start since December 9 against West Ham on Sunday, and he could now be set for a run in the side alongside Raphael Varane.
Lindelof was also involved against West Ham, entering the field as a late substitute for his first league appearance since the clash with Chelsea on December 6.
Man United will be bidding to make it four straight wins in all competitions when they head to Villa Park on Sunday afternoon to tackle Aston Villa in an intriguing Premier League affair. body check tags ::
