Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag delivered positive news, claiming a January return for Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expects the return of Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez in January. United have suffered a poor season, riddled with bad individual performances and an injury crisis from the very beginning.
Currently, the Red Devils’ long-term injury list includes Tyrel Malacia, Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Casemiro and Martinez. Furthermore, Sofyan Amrabat and Luke Shaw are out with minor injuries adding to the continuous woes for Ten Hag.
Martinez suffered a foot injury in the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinal against Sevilla last season in April. The 25-year-old suffered a fracture in his right foot which sidelined him for the rest of the last season.
Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United is the first-choice centre-back under manager Erik ten Hag. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The Argentine returned during the start of the current season to take his place as the first-choice centre-back. However, he aggravated the foot injury during the 3-1 Premier League loss to Arsenal at Emirates Stadium in early September.
Meanwhile, Casemiro suffered a hamstring injury during the Carabao Cup 0-3 loss to Newcastle United on the 1st of November. He missed the games against Sheffield United and Manchester City before the Newcastle match due to a knock.
The Brazil captain has faced scrutiny for his poor performances in midfield despite being prolific in front of goals. Critics questioned Casemiro’s ability to keep up with the pace of the Premier League as grows older.
Speaking to the media (h/t Manchester Evening News), Ten Hag provided the expected return time for Casemiro and Martinez. He said:
“Not available before Christmas. In January, we expect them back.”
🔴 Ten Hag: “Mid-January, we expect many players back”.
“Mason Mount, Casemiro, Lisandro Martínez, Malacia, Harry Maguire… we expect many players to return in January”. pic.twitter.com/lleJ1Fl4Mu
The return of the two key players should be a massive boost for the Red Devils and Ten Hag. United are fighting to make it to the top four in the Premier League to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Moreover, the FA Cup will commence, presenting Manchester United with the only feasible opportunity to secure a trophy this season. Martinez and Casemiro can play a crucial role in Ten Hag’s attempt to finish the dreadful season strongly.
