- Lisandro Martinez was a surprise addition to Lionel Scaloni’s squad
- He has missed the last six weeks of action after suffering a knee injury
- Gareth Southgate deserves more respect among Man United connections… who are these idiots who doubt him? listen to It’s all underway podcast
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Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has suspended his call-up with the Argentina national team and will return to England on Saturday.
The combative centre-back was a surprise addition to Lionel Scaloni’s squad to face El Salvador and Costa Rica in the United States, having missed the last six weeks of United’s action after picking up a knee injury against West Ham in February.
Martinez trained with his Argentina team-mates this week but has now decided to return to England and prepare fully for United’s Premier League clash against Brentford, where he hopes to make his comeback.
United initially allowed Martinez to link up with the World Cup winners to give him a boost in his recovery program and in the knowledge that they would have varied training sessions at a high level.
The 26-year-old’s rehabilitation has gone according to plan, but he now feels he is best placed to return to Manchester as he prepares to return to the first team or for an evening start next Saturday, March 30.
Man United star Lisandro Martinez trained with Argentina in the US this week
Martinez has been called up by Argentina despite still recovering from a knee injury
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Martinez took part in full-group training with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez in Philadelphia, which he feels has benefited his progress.
Like his Manchester United counterpart Erik ten Hag, Argentina boss Scaloni regards Martinez as an important component of his squad and wanted to ensure he still felt part of their plans for what was his country’s final gathering before the Copa America tournament in June.
Martinez will now step up training at United’s Carrington base this week.
Martinez has been sorely missed by United in recent weeks as they have also had to contend with injuries to Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw and Raphael Varane.
The latter remains a target for Saudi clubs such as Al Ittihad in the summer, while United continue to explore potential signings such as Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, but expect competition from Manchester City and Tottenham.
