Manchester United’s draw against Brentford at the weekend ended up being a war of attrition for the Red Devils.
Faced with lively Brentford forward Ivan Toney, Manchester United’s had to utilise four centre-backs over the course of the game.
Raphael Varane was substituted at half-time, before Victor Lindelof was withdrawn during the second half with an injury.
Harry Maguire was thrown into the mix, after being forced to pull out of England duty with injury, before Lisandro Martinez was selected, making his first appearance since suffering a MCL injury in early February.
Manager Erik ten Hag was unable to provide a meaningful injury update after the game, with United assessing the fall out.
Bad news emerged over Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof
Manchester United announced bad news last night, confirming Lisandro Martinez has suffered a calf strain in a subsequent training session.
His injury record this season has been appalling, with Manchester United fans asking why he was allowed to fly off with Argentina in the lead up to the Brentford game.
It was also announced that Victor Lindelof will miss a month, having suffered a hamstring injury in the Brentford game.
This makes United’s options at the back even thinner, with only two fit full-backs currently, reliant on Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka to cover both positions.
Good news from press conference
Thankfully there is now some good news to add to the bad. Erik ten Hag has provided an update at his press conference.
He has confirmed that Raphael Varane is good to go, while Harry Maguire is also available, and Jonny Evans has also returned to training, having missed the international break and the games either side.
Ten Hag said: “We have a lack of options but the good thing is, this afternoon, back in training are Rapha Varane and Jonny Evans, and Harry Maguire was already back in training yesterday.”
Being back in training is no guarantee, of course, with Martinez beginning the training session on Monday before breaking down, however, it is a good sign to have Varane, Evans and Maguire all available.
United also have teenage defenderWilly Kambwala, who could be set for an increased role amid the injury crisis.
The team face Chelsea this Thursday, before Liverpool on Sunday. Bournemouth follow, and then the FA Cup semi-final with Coventry.
United also have Amad back from suspension, while back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is also back in training.