Extent of Lisandro Martinez's injury revealed to Manchester United

Lisandro Martinez, the centre-back for Manchester United, has luckily dodged an ACL injury. It is expected that he will resume playing by the end of this season.

Martinez, an Argentine international, sustained a knee injury during the Sunday match against West Ham United, in which Manchester United emerged victorious 3-0. This happened shortly after recovering from a serious foot injury. He initially tried to continue playing but was later compelled to exit the field in the second half.

Post the game, the team's manager, Erik ten Hag confessed his concerns about the injury. It was initially suspected to be a season-ending ACL injury. The World Cup winner has been diagnosed with a sprained collateral ligament in the knee, which does not necessitate surgery.

Manchester United released a statement that read, 'Lisandro Martinez has been diagnosed with a medial collateral ligament injury in his knee. He is expected to be out of action for a minimum of eight weeks.

'Our Argentine defender exited Old Trafford during our 3-0 victory against West Ham United on Sunday, at the 71st minute.

'We are all praying for Licha's quick recovery and eagerly await his return to the pitch later this season.'

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Martinez is predicted to remain off-field for about eight weeks before re-entering the competitive landscape in April.

On April 3, United is slated to visit Stamford Bridge and take on Chelsea, following which Liverpool is set to visit Old Trafford three days later.

United's schedule for April includes matches against Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Burnley, before winding up their Premier League campaign with games against Crystal Palace, Arsenal, and finally Brighton on May 19.

Ten Hag recalls coping with Martinez's absence during the last season when the 26-year-old was out for 12 games and this year for 22 games in total across different competitions.

Ten Hag has previously voiced his concerns about having Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire play together in the defence. The senior alternatives include Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans, while 19-year-old Willy Kambwala has also played this season.