Manchester United have suffered another huge injury blow with Lisandro Martinez facing around 10 weeks out after aggravating the foot injury he suffered towards the end of last season.
Martinez missed the final seven and a half weeks of last season after suffering a broken metatarsal in his right foot in April.
The Argentina centre half returned to action in pre-season but he aggravated the problem during the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal earlier this month and is now facing another long lay-off.
Martinez played in the recent defeats to Brighton and Bayern Munich after the international break.
But the injury is severe enough that Martinez needs an extended spell on the sidelines in a fresh defensive blow to United manager Erik ten Hag.
Martinez requires further assessment but he is expected to be out for a similar length of time to the original injury.
A 10-week absence would mean Martinez missing the next 10 Premier League matches plus four Champions League Group A fixtures and the Carabao Cup fourth round tie at home to Newcastle.
Left back Sergio Reguilon, who missed the Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace on Tuesday, will also be missing with a minor injury this weekend when United again face Roy Hodgson’s side, this time in the Premier League game.
In addition to Martinez and Reguilon, United are without injured full backs Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia.
Other players missing through injury or illness also include Kobbie Mainoo, Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay and Amad Diallo.
Jadon Sancho remains unavailable following a falling out with Ten Hag but Antony is available for selection again.
