Man Utd have just got an injury boost for Leeds United clash – ‘He will be back’ | Football | Sport

Lisandro Martinez is poised to be available for Manchester United‘s fixture against Leeds following his recovery from injury. Martinez returned to full training earlier in the week as he completed the final phase of his rehabilitation. The defender last featured for United against West Ham on February 10.

Martinez sustained a training injury in the lead-up to the triumph against Everton, which resulted in him missing five Premier League fixtures. The Argentina international’s comeback is welcome news following Harry Maguire’s red card against Bournemouth before the international break. Maguire is unavailable to face Leeds on Monday night due to suspension, but Martinez is expected to return to the starting line-up.

Offering an update on Martinez during the press conference at Carrington on Saturday, Carrick said: “It’s just a call that we make, we wouldn’t be pushing him into anything. It’s important that the boys are ready. The next game is always important, but the bigger picture is more important.”

“He’s back training, which is great, and back on the grass, but we have to make the right decision and make sure he’s ready.” Carrick said: “Lisandro will be back [for Leeds], Patrick Dorgu is back on the grass, but he’s further away, he’s not training with the team as part of his rehab. But apart from that, we’re in good shape.”

Dorgu made the trip to the Republic of Ireland for the four-day training camp ahead of the run-in, however he carried out individual work on the grass having only recently resumed light training.

The 21 year old picked up a hamstring injury during the 3-2 victory over Arsenal in January. United have confirmed there is no set timeline for his return to first-team action. Dorgu will be managed carefully given the nature of the problem, though he could yet come back in time to play a part in the run-in.

Carrick initially indicated Dorgu had gone off against Arsenal with cramp, but it soon became apparent the issue was far more serious when he hobbled out of the Emirates.

Matthijs de Ligt continues to be ruled out with a back injury. The Dutchman last featured against Crystal Palace on November 30 and was absent from the Republic of Ireland training camp this week.

“He’s doing treatment and rehab. He didn’t come because he’s not quite on the grass. Patrick came because he’s a little bit further on. Matthijs is not quite at that stage really, so it was important for him to continue his rehab and try to get him back,” Carrick said.

“It’s different treatment and exercises. He’s not quite on the grass yet. That’s the process you have to go through when you’re injured. Sometimes it happens quicker for others. He’s just working through that at the moment and we’re trying to get him back.”

Carrick was also quizzed about Mason Mount, who returned from a spell on the sidelines to be included in the squad to face Aston Villa last month. “First of all, it’s great to have Mason back, to miss him so quickly after we came in and came together,” he said.

“He’s obviously had nearly two or three weeks of building up and finding, his rhythm, finding his sharpness. It’s great to have him back. I think his versatility, is a big strength of his.

“He can play through the middle, he can play midfield, he can play wide and he can do so many different roles. He’s certainly a team player, but he’s a player that I really like. There’s loads to come from this. We’ve just got to give him the. time to get fit again and be patient with that, but he’s certainly in a good place right now.”