Casemiro has sent a message of solidarity to Manchester United team-mate Lisandro Martinez amid the news that the World Cup winner could miss two months of Premier League football.
In truth, this was maybe the best news we could have hoped for.
Eight weeks on the sidelines for arguably Manchester United’s most important player – both from a defensive and from a tactical stand-point – is far from ideal, of course.
But considering that the initial fears were of a potential ACL tear, and a subsequent eight or nine month spell out of action, suggestions that Lisandro Martinez could be at Erik ten Hag’s disposal again come April feels like a glint of very-welcome sunlight in an otherwise gloomy sky.
Lisandro Martinez injured again for Man United
“I want to give a heartfelt thanks for the great support I’ve received and to reassure you that I’ll soon be back out there, and we’ll fight together,” Martinez wrote on Instagram after his involvement in Sunday’s 3-0 victory over West Ham at Old Trafford was cut short.
“Always united!”
Casemiro, who has endured a lengthy spell on the treatment table himself this season, is backing Martinez to go about his recovery with the same discipline and determination he brings on the pitch.
“You will be back soon,” the Brazilian says on X. “Strength, Licha.”
Ten Hag hopes for Mason Mount return
Martinez’s latest lay-off was certainly a blow Ten Hag could have done without, Manchester United finally building some momentum after welcoming back a host of absentees after Christmas. The Red Devils boss is hopeful that Mason Mount will be back in contention sooner rather than later, however, the £55 million signing from Chelsea having not featured since November’s win over Luton Town.
“He was struggling from the second game of the season. He returned for a period and then picked up another injury. So, of course, that’s not great,” Ten Hag said before West Ham’s visit.
“That is very frustrating for him and I really feel for him. I really want to be there for him because he had such high expectations and I had high expectations.
“I am sure he is a very good player for us. But, first of all, what’s now important is we have to do it very secure to get him fit. Secure in the process, step by step, don’t force it and then hopefully by the end of the season he can stay fit and fight his way into the team, or at least play a role in his team.”
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