Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is hoping he will not miss a second successive FA Cup final.
Last season’s injury against Sevilla meant Lisandro Martinez missed Manchester United’s FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
That injury was the start of a year’s worth of troubles for the defender, who recently suffered a calf injury, soon after returning from a MCL injury.
Martinez is aiming to make a return in time to feature in this year’s FA Cup final, against the same opponents.
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Lisandro Martinez watched at Wembley from the sidelines
Lisandro Martinez was on the sidelines watching his teammates at Wembley in the semi-final against Coventry City.
He will have been frustrated as a makeshift backline featuring Casemiro shipped three goals, despite a heroic effort from Harry Maguire.
The defender sent a short message to supporters on Instagram, featuring an emoji displaying the word ‘soon’.
He posted: “🔜🏟️👹🔴👏🏻”
It’s a positive indication Martinez is optimistic over a potential return for the final, and Manchester United are likely to need him.
The challenge for Martinez will be returning to fitness, and staying fit. United don’t want him to suffer yet another injury if he pushes himself.
Centre-backs racing to return
Lisandro Martinez is one of several defensive players looking to make their returns in time for the FA Cup final.
Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala will all be pushing to create a difficult decision for manager Erik ten Hag, and Luke Shaw could be in the mix too.
Manchester United could go from having almost no centre-backs, to having a selection dilemma.
After the past few week, it’s a good problem Erik ten Hag would be happy to have.
| Injury type | Projected return | |
| Willy Kambwala | Unknown | Unknown |
| Bruno Fernandes | Hand | v Palace |
| Scott McTominay | Knee strain | v Palace |
| Marcus Rashford | Ankle | May |
| Raphael Varane | Muscular injury | May |
| Jonny Evans | Ongoing issue | v Palace |
| Victor Lindelof | Hamstring injury | May |
| Lisandro Martinez | Calf injury | May |
| Luke Shaw | Thigh injury | May |
| Harry Maguire | Muscle injury | Late May |
| Anthony Martial | Groin injury | May |
| Tyrell Malacia | Knee injury | Unknown |