Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United is questionable for Argentina’s opening World Cup qualifying game against Ecuador.
The defender was substituted by Harry Maguire in the second half of Manchester United’s defeat over Arsenal. Erik ten Hag was uninformed of Martinez’s injury after the game because the 25-year-old left the UK right away to join his Argentina teammates for the next international break.
Martinez’s injury situation has changed, according to the United manager, who claimed in his news conference that the center-back might be fit to play against Bolivia next Tuesday but is unlikely to play against Ecuador on Thursday.
According to United’s website, Scaloni stated that “Licha, as you know, had an issue with his feet.” He recently underwent surgery, by the way. He left the game in the previous one because he was in discomfort.
He is healthy, according to their studies. Whether we choose to risk him or not, he will be with us. We have other teammates that can replace him well, so it’s a bad situation.
We don’t have to put him at risk. In any event, we’ll decide whether or not to use him if he’s accessible. We’ll see how it goes for the second round. At initially, it would be a little rushed for [the Ecuador] match.
Argentina will play in qualification matches against Bolivia and Ecuador before the 2026 World Cup. In Qatar, the World Cup champions did not start the United defense because Scaloni opted to start Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero.
The defender’s next appearance is probably against Brighton on September 16 for Manchester United if he does not play for Argentina in the qualifications.
