Anthony Martial receives fresh injury blow with Sevilla ahead of Manchester United loan return

Manchester United's Anthony Martial was sidelined with injury as Sevilla played Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

Martial returned from injury against RCD Mallorca last week but played just 23 minutes in that match before sustaining another problem, which subsequently ruled him out of action at the weekend. Martial joined Sevilla on loan until the end of the season in January and the deal was considered to suit all parties, but the player's time in Spain hasn't gone as expected.

The forward has contributed just one goal and one assist in just under 700 minutes and he's struggled for fitness. Martial's omission from the Sevilla squad on Sunday was also the sixth time he's failed to make Julen Lopetegui's matchday squad with injury.

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There was no clause in Sevilla's deal to make their Martial loan permanent, although it seems unlikely the Spanish club would have triggered such an option anyway. Martial's stint in La Liga has been disappointing and he's continued to regress.

Martial has been whistled by his own fans during his time in Spain and his loan is now coming to an underwhelming end. Sevilla play Athletico Bilbao on the final day of the season this week and Martial will return to United soon after that game.

The Frenchman remains one of the highest paid players at United and he's contracted until the summer of 2026.

Although Martial made just four starts for United this season, Erik ten Hag could potentially offer him a clean slate.

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