Lisandro Martinez breaks silence after major injury blow with defiant message

Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez has released a statement on social media after suffering a metatarsal injury against Sevilla.

The Argentinian went down in the latter stages of the Europa League quarter-final clutching his ankle, and had to be carried off the pitch by international team-mates Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuna.

There were major concerns over the extent of the injury, especially as Martinez went to ground under no pressure.

Manager Erik ten Hag could not give further detail on the problem during his post-match press conference, but United have since confirmed that the Argentinian has fractured a metatarsal bone in his foot.

The centre-back has been ruled out until the end of the season - and has responded to the setback on his official Instagram page.

Martinez responds to Man Utd injury blow

In an Instagram post, Martinez wrote: "Not the way I imagined what's been a very special season would end, but sometimes we face obstacles that we have to overcome to make us stronger and we learn from them.

"I know that I'll be back very soon to go for more. In the meantime, I'll continue to support all my team-mates to achieve our objectives.

"The number of messages and support I've received has been amazing, they're giving me strength and encouragement at this moment. Many, many thanks to you all from the bottom of my heart."

He also paid tribute to Montiel and Acuna for their actions, calling them 'brothers'.

Alongside Martinez's injury, United confirmed that his centre-back partner Raphael Varane will also be absent for 'a few weeks'.

Ten Hag will, therefore, need to select two replacements for Sunday's Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest, with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof potentially in line to be handed opportunities to play.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be an outside option to start at centre-back, with The Sun claiming in 2021 that United had considered making such a switch.

Phil Jones, meanwhile, will definitely not be available as he has not been named in the 25-man Premier League squad, but can play in the FA Cup semi-final against Brighton on April 23 if he is passed fit.