Manchester United’s preparations for their crucial Premier League clash against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium were thrown into disarray on February 23, 2026, as key defender Lisandro Martinez was ruled out just hours before kick-off. The Argentine’s absence, due to a suspected calf injury, marks yet another frustrating setback in a United career that has been riddled with injuries, despite his undeniable quality when fit.
Michael Carrick, United’s interim head coach, faced a late defensive dilemma as Martinez, who had started all five games under Carrick since his appointment, was forced to withdraw from the squad. Speaking to Sky Sports before the match, Carrick explained, “Unfortunately, he just picked up something during the week. It doesn’t seem too bad at all, but we’re just kind of working through that at the moment, so he’s not available tonight. He’s obviously done well, Licha, for us, and it’s disappointing. But Leny came in and did particularly well at West Ham, so Leny comes in [tonight], and we’ll try and move forward.”
Leny Yoro, making his 13th start of the season, was called upon to partner Harry Maguire at the heart of United’s defense. The change ended Martinez’s run of nine consecutive Premier League starts, a streak that had seen him anchor United’s backline through a period of impressive form. Under Carrick, Martinez and Maguire’s partnership yielded two clean sheets and played a pivotal role in victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Fulham. Their defensive solidity had been instrumental in United’s climb up the table and their ongoing push for Champions League qualification.
Martinez’s injury history at Old Trafford is well documented and increasingly concerning for United’s hierarchy. Since joining the club, the 28-year-old has missed an astonishing 99 games due to a series of ailments—including a nine-month layoff following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in February 2025, a serious foot injury, a metatarsal fracture, a knee ligament sprain, and a previous calf strain. He had only returned to action in November 2025, following his lengthy ACL rehabilitation, and had gradually established himself as a mainstay in Carrick’s starting XI.
Despite the latest blow, there is some relief within the United camp. Multiple sources, including The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, report that Martinez’s current calf issue is not as severe as previous injuries. United expects the defender to be sidelined for just one to two weeks, with hopes that he will return to training within days and be in contention for upcoming fixtures. However, his availability for the next league match against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on February 29 remains uncertain.
Martinez’s absence against Everton does more than disrupt team selection—it also raises broader questions about United’s defensive options and squad depth. With Ayden Heaven also available as a backup and Matthijs de Ligt still recovering from a back injury sustained in November, Carrick’s choices at the back are limited. The situation is further complicated by Patrick Dorgu’s ongoing hamstring problem, which is expected to keep him out for around 10 weeks. United’s defensive resources are being stretched thin at a pivotal point in the campaign.
For Martinez, the recurring injuries threaten to overshadow what could have been a commanding presence in United’s defense. His reliability is now a subject of debate among fans and analysts alike, particularly with Harry Maguire’s contract set to expire in the summer of 2026. As United weighs its options for the next transfer window, questions linger about whether the club may need to seek reinforcements to ensure greater stability at the back.
Yet, Martinez’s impact on and off the pitch has been clear. In a TikTok video posted last month, he praised Carrick’s influence, saying, “In short time, for me, as I said already, I’m impressed with him, about his body language, his energy, his communication as well. The staff as well, very close to the player, the way he trusts the players. The way he talks, the way he connects with each other. It’s unbelievable.” Carrick, in turn, lauded Martinez’s performances, highlighting his emotion and excitement as emblematic of the style he wants United to embody.
United’s defensive record under Carrick has been a bright spot, with clean sheets against some of the league’s top sides. Notably, the 1-0 win over Manchester City on January 17 saw Pep Guardiola’s men fail to record a single shot on target—a testament to the Maguire-Martinez axis. The duo also marshaled the defense in the 1-1 draw against West Ham at the London Stadium on February 10, with Martinez playing the full 90 minutes.
As United took to the pitch against Everton, the stakes were high. The Red Devils were aiming to stretch their unbeaten run to six games and capitalize on rivals Chelsea and Aston Villa dropping points earlier in the weekend. With Chelsea held to a draw and Villa sharing the spoils with Leeds, a win at Everton would have propelled United into the Premier League’s top four, three points clear of both Chelsea and Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification. The Toffees, managed by former United boss David Moyes, provided stern opposition on Merseyside, but United’s focus remained firmly on consolidating their position among the league’s elite.
Looking ahead, United’s fixture list does not get any easier. After Everton, they face Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, a match that could prove decisive in the battle for a top-four finish. The hope within the camp is that Martinez’s recovery remains on track, allowing him to return in time for the Palace clash or soon after. In the meantime, Carrick will be relying on Yoro, Maguire, and potentially Heaven to hold the line and maintain the momentum that has characterized his tenure so far.
Injuries are an unavoidable part of football, but for Lisandro Martinez and Manchester United, the hope is that this latest setback is only a minor detour on the road to a strong finish in the Premier League. With Champions League football within reach and the squad showing renewed belief under Carrick, the Red Devils will be eager to welcome their Argentine warrior back into the fold as soon as possible.