Rio Ferdinand is eagerly awaiting the return of Lisandro Martinez to Manchester United’s defence after spending eight months out with a knee injury.
Manchester United have been without World Cup-winner Lisandro Martinez since February of this year, after he injured his cruciate ligament during a 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace.
The 27-year-old will be eager to impress after his return to earn a call-up to the Argentina squad as the world champions look to defend their status next summer.
Ruben Amorim has been without United’s best defender for most of his time as head coach, so it will be a huge boost for the Argentine to return.
United take on Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, but Martinez is one of a few absentees as he continues his recovery.
Rio Ferdinand acknowledges Lisandro Martinez boost
Martinez is in the final stages of his recovery, but United are taking a measured approach with the former Ajax centre-back to ensure he doesn’t suffer more setbacks.
Luke Shaw is likely to be cast aside when Martinez returns to full fitness, with the Argentine recently pictured at Carrington.
Martinez has stepped up his training by joining the United first team group.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand was quick to react to United’s social media post, showing Martinez walking towards the training complex.
Ferdinand wrote: “Love to see it!”
Every United fan will ‘love to see it’ when Martinez finally returns to the dugout. They will have to wait another few weeks for that to happen.
What has Ruben Amorim said about Lisandro Martinez’s return?
Amorim provided a full team update ahead of United’s 100th trip to Anfield.
In doing so, Amorim confirmed Martinez is ready to return to training with the team, but ruled him out of the game against Liverpool.
Amorim has not provided many updates of Martinez up until now, keeping his cards close to his chest on matters concerning injured players.
“Licha is not available,” Amorim said. “He is near but he is just returning to training with the team.”
Hopefully, Martinez can return in one of the upcoming games against Brighton or Nottingham Forest.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
