Manchester United have suffered yet another defensive injury blow after Lisandro Martinez was taken off in Sunday's Premier League defeat to Arsenal.
For the second time this season already, Erik ten Hag's men were subjected to a two-goal beating in North London, as the Gunners came from behind to record a breathtaking 3-1 win.
Marcus Rashford's fourth goal in three games against Arsenal sent the Red Devils ahead, but Ten Hag's team were immediately pegged back as Martin Odegaard finished off a sweeping move.
Man United were then indebted to VAR official Jarred Gillett for overturning an Arsenal penalty, as Kai Havertz appeared to have been felled by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, before Alejandro Garnacho made the net bulge in front of the away end in the 88th minute.
However, the Argentine youngster's celebrations were cut short as his goal was ruled out for offside, before Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus came up with a pair of dramatic added-time goals.
The Red Devils were already working around a mini-injury crisis ahead of the trip south, and their rearguard situation has become all the more troublesome after Martinez went down midway through the second half.
Immediately after picking up a yellow card, the 25-year-old remained on the turf and signalled that his race was run, as Harry Maguire came on to replace his stricken teammate.
While it is still unclear how severe Martinez's issue is, the South American's enforced withdrawal only exacerbates Ten Hag's defensive dilemma heading into the international hiatus.
The Red Devils were already coping without Martinez's first-choice partner Raphael Varane, who is not expected back from his muscular problem until the latter stages of September.
The same can be said for Tyrell Malacia, who is dealing with a knee problem, while Luke Shaw - who often filled in at centre-back last term - is out until mid-October at the earliest with a muscle injury.
Victor Lindelof was also taken off towards the end of the clash at the Emirates, although it is unclear if the Swede was also nursing a physical glitch, as Maguire and the returning Jonny Evans saw out the game in front of Andre Onana.
Evans - who re-signed for the club on a short-term deal this summer - replaced Lindelof for his first appearance in a Man United jersey since May 2015, and he is now one shy of 200 for the club.
Diogo Dalot held his spot at left-back with Shaw and Malacia out and dealt with Bukayo Saka well for the most part, but Tottenham Hotspur loanee Sergio Reguilon should be fit and raring to go after the international break.
In addition to their defensive concerns, Man United also have Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), Mason Mount (thigh) and Amad Diallo (knee) out of contention, and Ten Hag's side sit 11th in the table with six points from their opening four games.
The Red Devils are next in action at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on September 16, four days before they travel to Bayern Munich for their opening Champions League group-stage match. body check tags ::
