Manchester United Gives Update On Lizandro Martinez Fitness 

There is a low possibility that Lizandro Martinez would be part of the top 11 for Argentina’s opening World Cup qualifying match against Ecuador. The Man United defender was substituted by Harry Maguire in the second half of Man United’s victory over Arsenal.

Erik ten Hag was unaware of the extent 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. Giving update on his injury, Ten Hag said in his press conference that the Martinez is unlikely to play against Ecuador on Thursday night but could be fit eniugh to play against Bolivia next Tuesday.

Argentina manager Scaloni had said on United’s website: “Licha, as you know, had an issue with his feet. By the way, he had surgery a while ago. In the last game, he was in pain, and went out for precaution. They have done studies and he’s well. He’ll be with us if we want to risk him or not. It’s an uncomfortable situation and we have other team-mates who can replace him well.”

“It’s not necessary that we risk him. In any case, if he’s available, we’ll evaluate whether to use him or not. At first, for [the Ecuador] match, it’d be a little rushed, we’ll see for the second match.”

Argentina will play in qualification matches against Bolivia and Ecuador before the 2026 World Cup. In Qatar, Martinez did not start the game because Scaloni opted to start Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero.

His next appearance is probably against Brighton on September 16 for Manchester United if he does not play for Argentina in the qualifications.