Lisandro Martínez will not feature for Manchester United in their Premier League fixture against Everton on Monday evening after the Argentine defender was ruled out with calf discomfort, adding another injury concern to a campaign that has already been significantly shaped by his availability.
Medical examinations carried out by the club’s medical department confirmed that the issue is minor, with no serious structural damage detected. The 28-year-old centre-back is expected to return to training before the end of the week, suggesting the setback is precautionary in nature rather than an indication of a longer-term problem.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on X that Martínez “will miss tonight’s game vs Everton with calf discomfort,” adding that “medical tests show a minor issue, and he’s expected back in training this week, as The Athletic reports.”
While the injury is not expected to keep Martínez sidelined for an extended period, his absence from the Everton game is nonetheless a notable blow for United, and the statistics surrounding his availability make for a compelling read.
According to figures cited by Romano, Manchester United have recorded seven wins from 18 matches in which Martínez has not been part of the starting lineup. By contrast, when the Argentine has started, United have won five of nine games — a considerably better ratio that underlines the defensive stability and organisational quality he brings to Rúben Amorim’s backline.
The numbers reflect what has been an injury-disrupted tenure at Old Trafford for Martínez, who has rarely been able to string together a long, uninterrupted run of appearances since arriving from Ajax in the summer of 2022. His physical robustness has been a persistent concern, even as his performances when fit have frequently drawn praise for their intensity and leadership.
Martínez joined Manchester United from Ajax Amsterdam in a deal worth approximately €57 million, making him one of the more significant defensive acquisitions of the Erik ten Hag era. He had been a cornerstone of the formidable Ajax side that had dominated Dutch football in the preceding years, and his combative, ball-playing style quickly made him a fan favourite at Old Trafford.
Born in Santa Fe, Argentina, Martínez is also a regular fixture in the Argentine national team setup, having been part of the Albiceleste squad that won the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar under manager Lionel Scaloni — one of the most celebrated squads in recent Argentine footballing history.
His journey to the top levels of European football was not without its obstacles. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, Martínez has at various points faced scepticism about whether his height is sufficient for the demands of Premier League defending, particularly at set pieces. He has largely answered those doubts through positional intelligence, aerial determination, and an aggressive press-resistant style that has made him effective despite operating below the average height profile for elite centre-backs.
However, muscular injuries — including to the calf and the foot — have repeatedly interrupted his seasons at United, frustrating the club’s attempts to field what many regard as their strongest defensive pairing consistently.
Monday’s fixture against Everton at Old Trafford arrives at a significant moment in United’s Premier League season. The club has endured a turbulent campaign, and the game represents another opportunity to arrest inconsistency and build momentum. Everton, under their own evolving management, will be looking to take advantage of any weaknesses in a United side that has shown vulnerability at the back across the season.
With Martínez absent, Amorim will need to call upon alternative defensive options, with the configuration of the backline likely to be watched closely by supporters and analysts alike.
The club confirmed the Argentine’s absence ahead of the match, and no indication has been given that he faces a return timeline of more than a few days. Whether he will be available for United’s next fixture following the Everton game will depend on how his recovery progresses in training over the coming days.
