‘Unfortunately…’: Michael Carrick sheds light on Lisandro Martinez’s injury condition after untimely layoff

February 23, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

Manchester United were dealt an untimely injury setback just hours before their clash with Everton got underway at 8pm.

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Indeed, it was confirmed in the lead-up to kick-off that Lisandro Martinez would miss the contest through a calf problem after a prolonged spell of being able to maintain his match fitness.

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Michael Carrick forced into change after Martinez blow

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Leny Yoro was called in to deputise for the sidelined Argentine, marking his 13th start of the season.

It’s also just the second starting XI change that Michael Carrick has made since taking the reins in January; the first being when Patrick Dorgu suffered a hamstring injury and was ruled out of action for around 10 weeks.

Speaking to Sky Sports at the Hill Dickinson Stadium tonight, Carrick said of Martinez’s condition: “Unfortunately, he just picked up something during the week.

“It doesn’t seem too bad at all, but we’re just kind of working through that at the moment, so he’s not available tonight.

“He’s obviously done well, Licha, for us, and it’s disappointing. But Leny came in and did particularly well at West Ham, so Leny comes in [tonight], and we’ll try and move forward.”

Reds can assert dominance in UCL chase vs Toffees

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Next up for the Reds is a meeting with Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon (2pm).

Before then, though, they have a chance to capitalise on their rivals dropping points in the top-four race after Chelsea (fourth) were held to a draw, Brentford (seventh) lost and Aston Villa (third) drew to Leeds United.

Meanwhile, Liverpool were able to clinch all three points from their visit to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest, and only did so in the dying embers of injury time via Alexis Mac Allister.