Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has provided an update on Lisandro Martínez after the Argentine defender was ruled out of Monday night’s 0-1 victory over Everton.
United edged the contest at the Hill Dickinson Stadium with a second-half Benjamin Šeško goal to strengthen their grip on fourth place, but Martínez was a notable absentee from the squad.
The centre-back was replaced in the starting XI by Leny Yoro, who partnered Harry Maguire in the heart of defence.
Speaking to Sky Sports before kick-off, Carrick clarified that Martínez’s absence was precautionary rather than the result of a serious setback.
“Unfortunately, he just picked up something during the week,” Carrick said.
“It doesn’t seem too bad at all, but we’re just kind of working through that at the moment, so he’s not available tonight.
“He’s obviously done well, Licha, for us, and it’s disappointing. But Leny came in and did particularly well at West Ham, so Leny comes in [tonight], and we’ll try and move forward.”
Martínez has been a key figure in United’s defensive stability this season, and Carrick’s comments will offer reassurance to supporters that the issue does not appear to be long-term.
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The decision to leave him out suggests the club are unwilling to take risks during a crucial stretch of the campaign.
Yoro’s inclusion proved justified, with the young defender producing a composed display alongside Maguire as United secured all three points.
No update on Mason Mount or Matthijs de Ligt
There was, however, no fresh update on Mason Mount or Matthijs de Ligt, both of whom have been sidelined for an extended period.
Providing an update on Friday, Carrick said: “Yeah, Mason’s getting closer, I think we’re really, we’re going to be patient as well and we have, well, sorry, we have been patient with him so we don’t want to, we don’t want to push anything.
“He’s an important part of the group, Mason, and we want him back and fit and he’ll have a big impact for us. So he’s getting closer, which is good for us.
“Matt a little bit working towards it, but as I said last week, he’s a little bit behind Mason really. So we’re just trying to work with him to progress him, to get him a bit closer really.”
United now turn their attention to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford as they look to maintain momentum in the race for Champions League qualification.