‘Be strong’ - Erik ten Hag sends message to Lisandro Martinez after Manchester United injury setback

Erik ten Hag has paid tribute to the character of Lisandro Martinez and has encouraged him to "be strong” after the Manchester United defender was ruled out for around two months with injury.

The Argentine has suffered a recurrence of April's metatarsal issue that ruled him out for the rest of last season and United are due to undergo a series of tests to discern exactly when he can be expected back.

Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire have recently returned from injury while Victor Lindelof is a third option at centre-half for Saturday’s match with Crystal Palace. Martinez has not played since the 3-1 defeat to Brighton a fortnight ago with Jonny Evans, a fourth alternative, coming in for the 1-0 win over Burnley.

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Martinez, 25, missed the final two months of last season. including the FA Cup final, with his initial setback and United boss Ten Hag said it is “disappointing” to lose him for a similar period of time this term too. Speaking to club media, the Dutchman said of Martinez’s setback: "That’s really sad, disappointing news. He has to go through the same process and I’m really sorry for him.

"The squad will miss him. As you know, we have more injuries, so we always have to deal with it as a squad. As a club, we have to deal with injuries.

"He has to be strong. He will fight back, I’m sure. He is a character. There is still a long season ahead and he will be fit. We have to do our job, to get ourselves in the right position, so he can contribute, and add quality, when he returns."

Meanwhile, United will also be without left-back Sergio Reguilon through injury. The Tottenham loanee played through the win