Man Utd issue devastating Lisandro Martinez injury update as club statement released

Manchester United have issued an update on Lisandro Martinez following his serious injury against Crystal Palace.

Martinez, 27, was stretchered off in tears during the second half of Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Palace at Old Trafford, having fallen to the turf clutching his knee after trying to turn.

Earlier this week, reports in Argentina claimed the centre-back had suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury and would miss the rest of the season, and up to nine months of football.

Meanwhile, another report from the Manchester Evening News claimed dressing room sources believe the United defender is unlikely to play again this season.

Manchester United have now issued an official update on Martinez, confirming he has suffered an injury to his cruciate ligament.

However, no timeframe was given on his return to first-team football.

"Manchester United can confirm that Lisandro Martinez suffered an injury to his cruciate ligament in Sunday's game against Crystal Palace," read the club statement.

"Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the appropriate course of treatment and the timescale for his rehabilitation.

"Everyone at Manchester United wishes Lisandro Martinez strength for a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way."

It's the second time Martinez has suffered a knee injury at United, having missed several months last season with a medial collateral ligament issue.

Speaking after Sunday's game, United head coach Ruben Amorim described Martinez's latest injury as "serious" and called on the club to support the player.

"Licha is really important for us, not just as a football player, but as a character, especially in this hard moment, now it's time to help Licha like he's doing for so long," he said.

"I think it's a bad situation, let's wait to assess things with the doctor but I think it's a serious situation."

United's statement comes amid ongoing concerns over the fitness of another defender Luke Shaw.

Martinez suffered the injury against Crystal Palace (Image: Getty)

Shaw has managed just three appearances this season after struggling with an unspecified problem but was expected to return to the first-team in the coming weeks after he was spotted back in training in January.

However, The Mirror reported on Wednesday morning that the England international has suffered another setback that will see him miss at least four more weeks.

The Telegraph's Mike McGrath responded to those reports, claiming Shaw is set to miss Friday's FA Cup fourth round clash with Leicester but will return to full training next week.

However, he did not state if Shaw is set to be fit in time to face Spurs in the Premier League the following Sunday.

As a result, Amorim may be forced to play new signing Patrick Dorgu as part of a makeshift defence against Leicester.

Dorgu arrived in a £25m move from Lecce during the winter transfer window and could potentially come straight into the side against the Foxes this weekend.