Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out for the remainder of the season by Manchester United.
The integral Argentine centre back has been diagnosed with a metatarsal fracture after a late injury against Sevilla in the Europa League.
Lisandro Martinez ruled out for the rest of the season in brutal blow to Manchester United
Martinez, 25, has been instrumental in United’s season since his £60millon summer signing from Ajax, and will be a huge miss for the team’s run-in.
The club has also confirmed that fellow first-choice centre-back Raphael Varane is expected to miss a ‘few weeks’ due to an injury in the same 2-2 draw.
A statement on manutd.com read: “Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after fracturing a metatarsal bone in his foot.
“However, the Argentinian defender is expected to make a full recovery in time to be ready for the start of next season.
“Martinez sustained the injury in the 86th minute of Thursday night’s 2-2 draw with Sevilla in the quarter-final of the UEFA Europa League.
“Lisandro’s defensive partner Raphael Varane was also substituted with an injury at half-time in the same game and is expected to be out for a few weeks.
Lisandro Martinez ruled out for the rest of the season in brutal blow to Manchester United
Lisandro Martinez ruled out for the rest of the season in brutal blow to Manchester United
“While Lisandro’s first season at United has sadly come to a premature end, it will remain a memorable one for the centre-back having made 45 club appearances whilst establishing himself as a firm fan favourite and helping the team to win the Carabao Cup.”
Martinez’s injury was one of a number of blows in the 2-2 draw against Sevilla, with United giving up a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Bruno Fernandes was ruled out of the second leg by an early yellow card before Varane and Martinez dropped out.
United then conceded two own-goals, giving their six-time Europa League-winning opponents a huge boost for the return leg in a week’s time.
Martinez went down of his own accord in the 86th minute, clearly damaging his foot when turning awkwardly.
He was then carried off by two of his opponents, leaving the match with a teary exit.