When Manchester United plays Arsenal on Sunday, Lisandro Martinez will not be able to make a comeback, according to Erik Ten Hag.
Like many of his Red Devils teammates, Martinez, 26, has had a season marred by injuries. The Argentine centre-back, who has missed 26 games so far this season, is eager to contribute to United’s last push and is back in training following a calf issue.
Ten Hag, however, has intervened and determined that Martinez should not play at this time because the FA Cup final is in just over two weeks and Argentina is playing in the Copa America this summer. In his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag stated, “Licha came to me yesterday and wanted to play on Sunday against Arsenal.”
“He is very desperate, but he needs a little more time to go through the process; he’s not ready yet. Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane are two more. Although Luke Shaw also experienced a setback in his journey, he remains optimistic and intends to persevere to make it to the final.
“The team missed Martinez so much, and he is itching to participate. He is nearly injury-free and nearing the conclusion of the healing process, but he needs to resume team practice and games because he wants to play. He sustained three injuries during the season.”
Luckily for the Red Devils manager, three other players are more likely to return for Sunday’s crucial match, which will affect United’s hopes of making it to Europe as well as the race for the Premier League crown. Ten Hag ‘hopes’ that Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Scott McTominay will be available to take against title-chasing Arsenal, despite the unfortunate news involving Mason Mount. The trio missed Monday’s devastating 4-0 loss away to Crystal Palace.
According to the Dutchman, “Players trained this morning,” on Friday. “Scott McTominay was back on the pitch, along with Bruno. A few players are making their way back, but I must also announce that Mason Mount hurt himself yesterday and won’t be available on Sunday.
“We’re not sure if any guys will play this season again. Gamers struggle to be available. That really is incredible. Everybody tries. Everyone is incredibly eager to play.”
Ten Hag continued, expressing his frustration at the number of injuries the Red Devils have had to cope with this season: “I will never take a chance on a player. It concerns them and their futures. The most significant aspect of their careers is that, and I am accountable for it.
“The club is the most crucial factor, but player health and safety are also very vital. Rashford also worked out this morning. It remains to be seen how he healed, but it appears to be doing well.
I’m hoping he shows up for the training tomorrow and then checks to see if he can make it on Sunday. With players, I don’t take big chances on them to win on Sunday because there’s a chance they could bolt again. However, if there were no cup final, I don’t think things would be all that different in a typical scenario.”
