Michael Carrick has delivered an update on Lisandro Martinez ahead of Manchester United’s return to Premier League action.
Martinez has not featured for Man United since the 1-1 draw against West Ham on February 10.
The Argentine suffered a calf injury ahead of trip to face Everton and has subsequently missed the last five games, thus affording Leny Yoro an extended run in the team at centre-back alongside Harry Maguire.
Carrick, though, will be forced to break up that central defensive pairing for Monday night’s game at home to Leeds as Maguire is suspended due to being sent-off in the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth before the international break.
That said, Martinez is nearing a comeback after returning to first-team training on Tuesday morning (April 7) in a massive boost for Man Utd.
Providing some early team news, Carrick has confirmed Martinez will be available for selection against Leeds and that Mason Mount is building up his fitness.
"So you were saying about the break, it's actually worked in our favour in some ways, in terms of getting players back," Carrick explained.
"Mason’s in and around it as well, in training and he’s had that period of time to build that up.
"To have Licha in and around it again is good. Obviously, Harry’s going to miss the game so we’ve got Licha back around it, with Leny [Yoro] and Ayden [Heaven], and we just want to get stronger as a group really.
"So that's part of this, trying to use that to do that this week."
After facing Leeds at Old Trafford, Man United travel to London to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a vital clash between two teams chasing Champions League qualification.
