Erik ten Hag hints at Lisandro Martinez’s cautious reintroduction to the pitch, opting for a bench role as Manchester United prepares to face Newcastle United at Old Trafford tonight.
Despite Martinez’s recent return to training, the manager exercises prudence in deploying the centre-back, mindful of his history of injuries this season and the need for a gradual reintegration into the squad.
Martinez’s journey has been marked by setbacks, from a prolonged absence following the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich to subsequent injuries, including a knee ailment and a calf strain suffered during matches against West Ham United and Brentford, respectively.
Acknowledging Martinez’s resilience and influence on the team, Ten Hag underscores the defender’s pivotal role in bolstering United’s defensive line, a department currently plagued by injuries.
As the team navigates through a challenging fixture list, including the imminent Emirates FA Cup final against Manchester City, Ten Hag emphasizes the significance of Martinez’s eventual return to full fitness and the positive impact it will have on the squad’s defensive capabilities.