Erik ten Hag has provided an update on the status of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane after both centre-backs were ruled out in the 2-2 draw with Sevilla.
Martinez was very innocent late in the game and the Reds were left with 10 men in the final minute to replace all five designated players. Licha was carried off the pitch by two of his Argentina World Cup-winning teammates, Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel. However, the Manchester United defender was carried back on a stretcher to the dressing room for the rest of the day. Asked after the match about the condition of the former Ajax centre-back, Eric said it was too early to say how serious his injury was.
Martinez’s injury worried Reds fans and the defender was helped off the field by compatriots Acuna and Montiel. “I saw Licha Martinez quit after a while.” he told MUTV. “I don’t think it’s that great because there was no opposition, but we’ll have to wait and see. Medical staff must do their part to make an accurate diagnosis,” he said.
The topic was also on the tongue of reporters at the post-match press conference, with Ten Haag dismissing several theories.
“I can’t tell you what it is, but it’s not Achilles,” he said. “I told him and he’s fine and calm.
“I think it’s an injury. That means he won’t play on Sunday. I can’t say what the diagnosis was. I’d like to wait and see what it is.”
The manager collapsed in the first half and played until half-time before being asked about Baran, who was replaced by Harry Maguire in the second half. Ten Haag said he could not comment on the details of Rafa’s knock at the moment, but added: “It’s an injury. He’s been complaining about it for the last few weeks and we’ll have to see how he is now.”
Eric can provide further updates on the duo during Friday’s press conference ahead of Sunday’s visit to Nottingham Forest.
