Lindelof and Martinez out for ''at least a month''

Manchester United's merry-go-round at centre-back is set to continue, as defenders Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof have been ruled out for "at least a month" due to recent muscle injuries.

The club confirmed the double injury blow on Tuesday after the Red Devils had to substitute both Lindelof and his central defensive partner Raphael Varane in a 1-1 draw against Brentford last Saturday. 

Although Varane's withdrawal against the Bees was more precautionary, the hamstring strain sustained by Lindelof is a significant blow and his replacement in Saturday's draw, Martinez, has subsequently picked up a calf injury while training. 

Both Lindelof and Martinez are now set to miss "at least a month" of football, according to the club, as Erik ten Hag's side target a strong finish to the season in their quest to secure Champions League football next season. 

England international Harry Maguire is currently the only senior central defender known to be match fit ahead of United's visit to Chelsea in the Premier League on Thursday. Luke Shaw has played at centre-back under ten Hag, but the left-back is also sidelined through injury at the moment.

If Varane or Jonny Evans are not fit to face the Blues then 19-year-old academy graduate Willy Kambwala could be set to make just his second first-team start for the Red Devils - although defensive midfielders Casemiro or Sofyan Amrabat could also potentially slot in at the back.

ℹ️ @LisandrMartinez and @VLindelof will be out of action for at least a month.#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 2, 2024