Manchester United superstar Lisandro Martinez will go under the knife again to heal his broken metatarsal, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano on X.

Romano reports that the surgery will ‘take place next week’ and will keep the former Ajax player out of action for at least another ‘two to three months’.

This is not the news that United fans will have been hoping for – since Martinez joined the setup at Old Trafford, he has established himself as one of their most important players.

What did Fabrizio Romano say regarding Lisandro Martinez’s injury status?

Writing on his official X account, Romano said: “Lisandro Martínez will undergo surgery again, second operation on his broken metatarsal.

“It will take place next week, as called by @ChrisWheelerDM — completed in the next 48 hours and then stop around two or three months.”

How much will Manchester United miss Lisandro Martinez?

As evidenced by their weak start to the 2023/24 Premier League season, United’s defence is struggling to stay strong without the presence of the Butcher. So far this season, United have conceded 11 goals over the course of seven Premier League games – more than teams such as Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Brentford.

For what Martinez lacks in size, he makes up for it with dogged determination and excellent positional sense. He is the Red Devils’ best centre-back by a considerable distance – they look far more fragile at the back without the Argentinian holding things together.

Their current back two, consisting of Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof, is not completely without merit – Varane was once considered one of the world’s leading defenders – but they lack a sense of authority without Martinez accompanying them.

The other first team centre-half in the team, Harry Maguire, has reached a point of untenability with the United fanbase – he is simply too error prone and sluggish to command a regular spot in the senior squad.

United’s current injury list does not make for pleasant reading. Aside from Martinez, they are also missing players such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Tyrell Malacia and Amad Diallo. Moreover, Antony and Jadon Sancho are also unavailable for selection due to disciplinary issues.