Manchester United boost as Erik ten Hag says six players could return v Tottenham

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Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Lisandro Martinez could be involved for Manchester United against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

Lisandro Martinez has been out injured for the Red Devils for months as he had an operation to try and deal with the foot problem that was tampering him during his time on the pitch this season.

Last campaign, Martinez suffered a foot injury against Sevilla in the Europa League and missed the remainder of that season as Manchester United got to the FA Cup final before losing to Manchester City.

There had been rumours of Martinez returning to the United team for the game against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend and the Dutchman has confirmed this is indeed the case.

Ten Hag on Martinez

Speaking to the media ahead of the game against Spurs, the Dutchman was asked about the fitness of the former Ajax defender and confirmed he could be involved this weekend.

“I don’t know. What do you expect? We have had a lot of injuries, so this week in training, the last couple of days, Licha Martinez training, Casemiro training, Luke Shaw training, so players are returning, they are coming in for selection for Sunday,” Ten Hag said.

“Antony, yeah. Eriksen was ill in the week, he will return. Antony will return. Amad will return. We have more choice in this moment in the squad to put out a starting XI and create a stronger bench.”

The return of the Argentine defender would be vital for the Red Devils’ hopes of progressing this year as the ball progression and the possession that Martinez brought to the team last season were vital as United finished the season in third place.

United have to be careful

Despite Martinez’s impending return to the first team being an overwhelming positive, the worry will be whether there will be a temptation for the Red Devils to rush him back.

Similar to his first injury, the Red Devils rushed Martinez back too soon and he broke down again which has led to this lay-off with injury.

Kobbie Mainoo’s return to the United first team was dealt with very well from United’s perspective as the midfielder has been injury-free for two months and simply looks sensational.

A similarly cautious return to the first team for Martinez would be wise.