Argentine Journalist gives goods news about Martinez as Ten Hag puts faith in Maguire and Lindelof

According to a journalist, Lisandro Martinez's injury from Manchester United's 2-2 tie with Sevilla is "better than expected".

United's two-goal lead over Sevilla in the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinal was eliminated in an incredible late capitulation thanks to two own goals.

After Marcel Sabitzer scored twice in the first half, United appeared to be coasting. However, in a thrilling game-ending play, United defender Tyrell Malacia diverted the ball past David De Gea to give Sevilla a chance. Then, with two minutes remaining, Youssef En-Nesyri's header hit Harry Maguire and went in off the post.

The outcome of the rematch at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Thursday will determine whether United advances in the Europa League.

Marcus Rashford will undoubtedly miss the game due to injury, while Martinez and Raphael Varane, who were both forced off against Sevilla due to injury, may also not play. Martinez, who appeared to be seriously injured, had to be helped off the field.

Gastón Edul, an Argentine journalist, gave a more upbeat assessment of Martinez's condition. "Lisandro Martnez is not going to do any more tests today," the TyC Sports journalist tweeted.

“Tomorrow (Friday) he will know what he has. The Achilles tendon was ruled out (good news)."


“He left on crutches. It could be the fifth metatarsal and the outlook is better than expected.”

And while many United supporters' faces were scarred when Lisandro Martinez was taken out of the game, the player was apparently "calm" in the locker room.

After the game, United boss Erik ten Hag said: "I think he will not play on Sunday [away to Nottingham Forest], it looks like that but I can't say what the diagnosis is and I prefer to wait and then we are clear and know exactly what it is.

"I have spoken to him and he's okay, he's calm. We are competing in three competitions so you need a squad. If Licha and [Raphael] Varane are not available on Sunday then others have to do it."

"We have seen Harry Maguire play a good game on Saturday and tonight also he played a really good game."

In the upcoming weeks, Manchester United may be missing crucial defenders Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, but manager Erik ten Hag believes Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof can fill any defensive shortages.

After fellow center back Varane had to be changed due to injury at halftime in Thursday's 2-2 Europa League tie with Sevilla, United were down to 10 men when defender Martinez was carried off hurt.

Ten Hag informed reporters that he had no injury update when asked and added: "It's not even 24 hours. I don't have a complete diagnosis so I can't tell at this moment."

"I have an idea (about what it is) but I don't want to fuel speculation," the Dutch manager added, speaking ahead of Sunday's trip to Nottingham Forest."

"I have a lot of faith (in Lindelof and Maguire). We still have decent centre halves. They've proved in the past and they've proved this season. We have four or five very good centre halves who can do the job."

Anthony Martial is the primary offensive option for United because top scorer Marcus Rashford has been sidelined for "a few games" and winger Alejandro Garnacho has an ankle ailment that will keep him out of action.

Although the 27-year-old Frenchman started the midweek match against Sevilla, Ten Hag claimed it might be too risky to start the prone to injury striker against Forest.

"We don't have so many options in the frontline with Rashford and Garnacho injured, so we have to be careful," Ten Hag said.

"We know if we put on a lot of load he gets injured, so we know we have to build it slowly and, when recovery time is less (between games), we have to manage it and be careful."

In order to help United secure a spot in the Champions League for next season, Ten Hag said that left back Luke Shaw and midfielder Scott McTominay might be able to join the team for Sunday's encounter.

With one more game played, Tottenham Hotspur, who are now in fifth position, are three points behind United in the rankings.

"Every game is a battle, every game is a fight and you have to be ready for that fight," Ten Hag said.

"We have a squad. I have said all season we have more than 11 starters. When the time is there you have to show and contribute to the team and you have to be ready."



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