Manchester United have confirmed that Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez are back in full training in a major boost to Erik ten Hag’s hopes of rescuing a dreadful Premier League campaign.
The embattled Dutchman admitted before the 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest had he expected to have a host of first-team players back in contention by mid-January. And it seems that Ten Hag’s optimism was not misplaced.
Lisandro Martinez has not been seen since September, the World Cup winning Argentine suffering the after effects of an injury which brought a premature end to his dazzling debut season at Manchester United.
Casemiro, meanwhile, was last spotted in the 2-1 comeback win over Brentford in early October. Their respective returns, meanwhile, cannot come soon enough, with Man United crying out for the fight, physicality and never-say-die spirit both players provided in droves during last term’s third-place finish.
The Red Devils confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that both players are back in full training.
Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro return
United have kept just five clean sheets, for instance, in the 15 league matches Martinez has missed. Not only one of the finest pure defenders around – arguably United’s best centre-back signing since the iconic Nemanja Vidic – Martinez is also integral to the Red Devils build-up play, possessing the line-breaking passes of a seasoned playmaker.
Casemiro, meanwhile, is the glue which held Ten Hag’s midfield together last term. The veteran Brazilian could also be the ideal mentor for Kobbie Mainoo, a player 13 years his junior.
“Well, I am really good. I am really good, honestly,” Martinez told the Man United website last week, not so much music to Ten Hag’s ears as a sweet symphony.
“My rehab is going amazingly, in the way that I want. I am feeling strong, doing everything right with Ibra (Ibrahim Kerem) the physio. He has been amazing.
“And also the medical department, they take care of me from day one so it was really important. Yeah, all is perfect for me.”
A timely boost for Erik ten Hag
Monday’s FA Cup trip to Wigan Athletic could come too soon for Casemiro and Martinez to make their returns to the starting XI, but a run out from the bench could be ideal preparation for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur six days later.
Mason Mount, Harry Maguire and Tyrell Malacia should also be back sooner rather than later.
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