Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez will return to the UK from the Argentina squad earlier than planned as he prepares to make his return.
Martinez, 26, has been limited to just nine starting appearances in an injury-hit second season at Old Trafford, having been sidelined since early February with a knee problem.
The centre-half received a surprise call-up to the Argentina squad for international friendlies against El Salvador and Costa Rica taking place in the US this month, despite having not played for the previous six weeks.
Martinez trained with his international teammates this week but the Daily Mail report he has now decided to return to Manchester ahead of schedule with Argentina’s blessing.
United have earmarked the game against Brentford on 30 March as a return date for the former Ajax star with Martinez eager to be fit in time for that trip to the capital.
United permitted Martinez to join up with the Argentina squad to aid his return to fitness, with the reigning world champions also gearing up for their Copa America campaign this summer.
The defender took part in full training sessions in Philadelphia and will now continue to step up training back in Carrington.
Martinez was forced to undergo surgery in September after aggravating a metatarsal injury that also required an operation in April 2023.
He returned to the side in January but lasted just four games before suffering a knee injury in the 3-0 win over West Ham in early February.
United went into the international break off the back of a thrilling FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool.
They will take on Coventry City in the semi-final at Wembley on Sunday 21 April.
In the Premier League, United remain in the hunt for Champions League qualification but have work to do in closing the gap on fourth place Aston Villa and fifth place Tottenham.
United are six points behind Spurs.
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