Manchester United lose Martinez for Como as injury list grows
Manchester United will travel to Como on Wednesday without Lisandro Martinez after the defender suffered a thigh issue in the 1-1 draw with Leeds United, with Michael Carrick also facing a growing list of injuries and one suspension before the Champions League tie.
Defensive problems deepen before Como trip
Martinez was forced off against Leeds as United’s winless run reached six matches. Carrick said the problem was not considered serious, but confirmed the Argentina international would not be available in Italy.
United’s options at the back are further reduced by Leny Yoro’s suspension. The defender was sent off in the 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid and cannot feature against Como.
- Lisandro Martinez: out with a thigh complaint.
- Leny Yoro: suspended after his red card against Atletico Madrid.
- Luke Shaw: expected to be unavailable for longer than Kobbie Mainoo.
- Ayden Heaven: absent through illness.
- Patrick Dorgu: also among the players unavailable.
- Marcus Rashford: still managing a hip problem.
- Benjamin Sesko: remains out while the club awaits a clearer update.
Carrick gives Mainoo, Shaw and Rashford updates
Carrick described the squad situation as a mix of injuries and illness, saying there were several players missing at a difficult time.
Mainoo is not expected back for around another 10 days, while Shaw’s recovery will take slightly longer. Rashford continues to work through his hip issue, and Heaven has been affected by illness.
On Sesko, Carrick said United hoped to have a more definite medical picture by the end of the week, with work continuing on the forward’s fitness.
De Ligt and academy players in contention
The shortage could bring Matthijs de Ligt back into the starting side. The centre-back has not played since undergoing back surgery last November, but United may need him for the European fixture.
Young defenders Dan Armer, Jaydan Kamason and Harry Amass are alternative options. Carrick said Amass is firmly in the frame and stressed that young players eventually have to be given their chance.
United arrive in Italy after contrasting recent European results: a 4-0 win over Sabah was followed by the loss to Atletico Madrid.
What happens next
Carrick must assemble a patched-up side for the Como match before United turn their attention to the domestic fixture at the weekend. Further assessments on Martinez and the other absentees will be crucial as the club looks for reinforcements after the European trip.
