Manchester United get huge Lisandro Martinez injury boost as likely return date set

Manchester United have received a major fitness boost with reports suggesting they expect to have Lisandro Martinez available for next week's trip to Brentford.

Martinez has been out of action for almost two months after suffering a serious knee injury in the 3-0 win at home to West Ham on February 4. The centre-back has missed United's last seven matches across all competitions in the latest of a series of fitness issues.

The 26-year-old has been recovering well at Carrington and there is hope of a swift return to action, with Sky Sports reporting that he will be involved against Brentford next Saturday. It is not yet clear whether he will be fit to start but is expected to be in the matchday squad.

Martinez was a surprise inclusion in the Argentina squad for the March international break but is not expected to play in either friendly against El Salvador or Costa Rica. The centre-back did post pictures of himself in full training earlier this week and is stepping up the intensity of his work with the national team.

Involvement in next Saturday's trip to the Gtech Community Stadium will be subject to the club's fitness assessments once Martinez returns to the UK, but there is hope he can play some part. His return will be a major boost for United going into what will be a huge final period of their campaign.

Victory over Liverpool on Sunday, enjoyed in dramatic fashion with Amad Diallo's extra-time winner, secured a place in the FA Cup semi-finals and United are hot favourites to beat Championship side Coventry City. A prospective final will be against one of Manchester City or Chelsea.

In addition, the form of English teams in Europe could see the Premier League handed an extra spot in next season's Champions League which would improve United's chances of qualifying massively. Erik ten Hag's side are nine points behind Aston Villa in fourth but only six behind fifth-placed Tottenham.