Lisandro Martinez provides Manchester United injury boost ahead of Brighton

Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez has hinted he's returned to full fitness ahead of the visit of Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

Erik ten Hag and the United fanbase have been sweating on Martinez after he went down in some discomfort against Arsenal prior to the international break. After the game, the Reds manager said the defender had suffered an issue with his foot.

In a boost to United, Martinez was fit enough to join Argentina for their international fixtures but was rested as a precaution against Ecuador. Explaining the decision to the media, the Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said: "Licha, as you know, had an issue with his feet. In their last game [Arsenal vs Manchester United], he was in pain and went out [was subbed] for precaution. They have done studies and he's well."

Martinez did not feature in the squad at all against Ecuador and this led to concerns surrounding whether the defender may be facing a spell on the sidelines. But, in an Instagram post on Sunday, the centre-back softened any fears about his fitness.

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He wrote: "Ready for what's coming," accompanied with a Bolivia emoji. Argentina face Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday (9pm UK time).

Martinez also added an image of him in training which suggests he could feature for his country. Ten Hag is currently contending with a defensive injury crisis as Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia all find themselves in the treatment room at Carrington.

United return to Premier League action at the weekend when Brighton visit Old Trafford. The Reds have recorded two wins and two defeats in their opening four matches.

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