Manchester United’s injury fears appear to be lifting ahead of what could still be a successful end to a very difficult campaign.
Champions League qualification is still not out of the question – especially with fifth-place maybe enough to secure a spot at the biggest table this term – while Erik ten Hag’s side are also potentially 90 minutes away from an FA Cup final re-match with Man City.
A return to Wembley can wait for now, however.
Saturday brings the bread-and-butter of a trip to Brentford. And while Luke Shaw is still weeks away from marking his comeback, there may be a place in the travelling Manchester United squad for another long-term defensive absentee.
Manchester United face Brentford on Saturday night
Lisandro Martinez, arguably Man United’s best defender and their most important player from a tactical perspective, has not featured since the 3-0 victory over West Ham United two months ago.
But after returning to training, the World Cup-winning Argentina international could make his long-awaited return in West London, albeit probably from the bench.
“Yes, there is a chance (Martinez will be in the squad),” Ten Hag tells the Manchester Evening News. “We have missed him every game because he brings a composure in the team, a calmness in the team.
“At the same time, a winning attitude and he can express this very clearly. He can transfer that into the team and that contributes a lot to our levels.”
Man United, who have struggled with injuries all season long, had Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire and top scorer Rasmus Hojlund back during the thrilling FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool before the international break.
Casemiro is expected to be passed fit too, despite picking up a knock of his own recently.
Lisandro Martinez could be back at last
“There are players returning,” Ten Hag adds. “They are back on the pitch they are back in team training. We have one more training (session) now. But it is most likely that we have some players back in the squad.”
United will still be without a recognised left-back away to relegation-threatened Brentford, however. Tyrell Malacia looks destined to go the whole season without even a minute of football, while Shaw faces a race against time ahead of England’s Euro 2024 campaign.
Ten Hag, at least, believes Shaw will play for Man United again before the end of May.
“Yes, I expect him back before the end of the season,” the Dutchman explains. “He is still on schedule and will return to our team.”
