Man United star targeting return from injury against Tottenham Hotspur, even though Erik ten Hag suggested otherwise

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Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is targeting a shock return from injury for the vital game against Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports.

Lisandro Martinez has been out of contention for Manchester United for around four months now and there is no sign of when the Argentine defender will return.

The former Ajax star is back on grass for the Red Devils so you would imagine his return from injury is not too far away.

Erik ten Hag, however, chose to remain cautious when he was asked about when the 25-year-old defender would return with the Dutchman stating it could be weeks before we see the Argentine.

Martinez hopeful of Spurs return

Despite the cautious approach from the 53-year-old, a report from the Daily Mail has revealed that the defender is ‘chomping at the bit’ to return to the first team and could be targeting the game against Spurs.

Casemiro’s return to the first team is less clear but it would be a huge boost if the Argentine were to be fit for the game but United must ensure they don’t repeat previous mistakes.

After the foot injury the defender suffered against Sevilla in April, the Argentine was ruled out for the rest of the season but made his return for pre-season.

It is now clear that the World Cup-winning defender rushed back to the first team too soon and hasn’t been seen since the defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena due to an operation that he underwent to fix his problem.

United must avoid previous mistakes

It’s not unheard of over recent seasons for crucial players for United to play through the injury barrier up to the point where they need surgery and are then out for a prolonged period of time.

During the 2020/2021 season, Marcus Rashford was playing with a problem in his back for the majority of the season. In the campaign prior, Anthony Martial played through an injury issue of his own and you wonder if this contributed to the striker’s injury issues.

At all costs, United must avoid a similar scenario with Martinez. After United’s win over Wigan in the FA Cup, Martinez should be given a second-half cameo against Newport County or Eastleigh in the next round.

Throwing the defender straight back in during a game of this magnitude against Spurs seems like an unnecessary risk, he needs time to get back to full-match fitness.