Man Utd are running out of defenders! Lisandro Martinez out for 'extended period' with Sergio Reguilon also set for spell on sidelines

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are all out of action at present, with Martinez stuck with them on the sidelines. The World Cup-winning Argentina international aggravated a long-standing foot problem when facing Arsenal on September 3.

United have now confirmed that the 25-year-old centre-half will be out for the foreseeable future, with a statement on the club’s official website reading: “Lisandro Martinez will be out of action for an extended period due to an aggravation of the foot injury he suffered in April. It has now been determined that he needs a period on the sidelines for recovery and rehabilitation. Assessment is ongoing to decide next steps. Everyone at Manchester United sends Lisandro our best wishes and looks forward to him coming back as soon as possible.”

The Red Devils have also revealed that another defender – summer signing Sergio Reguilon – will be unavailable to Erik ten Hag for Saturday’s home date with Crystal Palace. The Spanish full-back, who has joined United on loan from Tottenham, has a “minor injury”.

United have made an inconsistent start to the 2023-24 campaign, with issues on and off the field doing them few favours, but they have collected back-to-back victories over Burnley and Palace in Premier League and Carabao Cup competition and will be hoping that momentum is beginning to build behind them.