Lionel Scaloni provides injury update on Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez after he dropped out of Argentina WC qualifier squad
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has provided an update about Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez's injury situation. La Albiceleste will be without the services of the left-footed centre-back during the ongoing international break after Martinez withdrew from the squad this week.
Argentina have a couple of World Cup Qualifier matches coming up against Paraguay (November 14) and Peru (November 19). Martinez will now miss these clashes after there were worries over his fitness during the Red Devils' 3-0 victory over Leicester City on Sunday (November 10).
Despite receiving treatment during that tie, the 26-year-old managed to play the full 90. Speaking ahead of his team's matches during the international break, Scaloni said (via Manchester Evening News):
"We didn't expect the case of Lisandro. We saw that he had suffered a blow to his back, but apparently, he had no problem, just pain. When he arrived here, the pain increased a bit, he underwent tests and is not fit to be here."
It remains to be seen for how long the Argentine will be sidelined for club and country. He plays a crucial role for both teams and has made 26 appearances across competitions for his nation.
On the other hand, the former Ajax defender has featured in 16 matches across competitions this campaign for the Red Devils. However, he will have time to regain full fitness before Manchester United return to Premier League action.
Once the international break is concluded, Ruben Amorim will take charge of his first match as Red Devils boss at Ipswich Town on November 24.
Manchester United continue to hold interest in Everton defender despite managerial change - Reports
Manchester United showed a keen interest in Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during the summer transfer window. However, the Red Devils managed to bring in Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich and ex-Lille defender Leny Yoro as reinforcements in the central defensive department.
Even with these players coming, Football Transfers believe that the Manchester outfit continue to hold an interest in the Toffees man. This position has seemingly continued to remain the same, even with new manager Ruben Amorim taking over at the club.
The former England under-21 international continues to be valued fairly highly by his employers, who are keen on snapping up €70 million for the defender. To date, the 22-year-old has made 58 senior appearances across competitions for the Merseyside club, bagging four goals and an assist in the process.