Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag tried to stay positive about the injury suffered by defender Lisandro Martinez during the 2-2 Europa League draw with Sevilla on Thursday.
There was speculation Martinez had suffered a serious Achilles injury, which would end his season.
“I cannot tell what it is, but it is not an Achilles,” the Dutchman told reporters. “I have spoken with him, and he is okay and calm.”
United were leading 2-0 late in the game at Old Trafford but had to settle for a 2-2 draw after conceding two own goals.
The draw was not the only disappointment. Martinez joined a list of injured players that included striker Marcus Rashford, defender Luke Shaw, and Martinez’s fellow center back Raphael Varane, who had to be replaced at halftime against Sevilla.
“We have seen Licha Martinez drop out after a moment,” Ten Hag told reporters.
“There was no opponent involved, so it doesn’t look that great, but we have to wait.” The medical staff have to do their job and give the right diagnosis.
“I think it is an injury that means he will not play on Sunday,” Ten Hag added, referring to United’s Premier League game at Nottingham Forest.
“I cannot say what the diagnosis is.” “I prefer to wait and know what it is.”
Rashford, who has contributed 28 goals and eight assists this season, is expected to miss a couple of weeks due to a groin injury.
United became only the second English side to score two own goals in a single match in a major European competition.
Chelsea were the first to play in 2019 against Ten Hag’s Ajax Amsterdam.
Reuters/NAN
