Lisandro Martinez will miss Manchester United’s trip to Newcastle as his recovery from a small injury takes longer than initially expected. Head coach Michael Carrick confirmed the Argentina international is not ready to return, despite previously suggesting his absence would last only days. According to Manutd.com.
Carrick forced into defensive changes as Martinez injury lingers for Newcastle clash
The defender has been absent since suffering the injury ahead of United’s recent trip to face Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Leny Yoro has partnered Harry Maguire at the back in both the Everton fixture and Sunday’s 2-1 home victory over Crystal Palace in Martinez’s absence.
Carrick had initially suggested between those wins that he expected Licha’s recovery to take a “matter of days”. However, the quick turnaround before the north-east trip means Martinez won’t be available at St James’ Park as United seek to extend their unbeaten league run to 12 games.
When asked by MUTV’s Mark Sullivan if he had a positive update on Martinez, Carrick responded: “Not particularly, really, no. He won’t be with us. He’s not quite ready for that.” The manager will also be without Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Matthijs de Ligt for the Tyneside assignment.
Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are doubts but being given “every chance” to recuperate from illness after they had to be substituted against the Eagles. Shaw, who has started all 28 of United’s top-flight outings this season, was replaced by Noussair Mazraoui during the first half, while Maguire made way for Ayden Heaven late on.
Mason Mount remains sidelined although he is approaching a return, with Carrick noting: “Mason as well, he’s getting a bit closer, so unfortunately it’s part of the game. There’s always going to be people out, there’s always going to be people missing, but we’ll keep working as hard as we can to get them back.”
