Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez may need SECOND operation with time frame for return a huge blow to injury hit side

LISANDRO MARTINEZ may be forced to have a second operation in order to solve his foot issues.

The Manchester United defender was ruled out for an "extended period" after aggravating a foot injury.

Martinez's injury originated in the second leg of Man Utd's Europa League quarter-final against Sevilla in April.

He was ruled out for the remainder of the season as he underwent surgery for a fractured metatarsal before returning over the summer.

However, the issue has continued to plague the Argentine this season.

United revealed he played with the injury in the defeats to Bayern Munich and Brighton after aggravating his metatarsal problem against Arsenal.

Now, according to , Martinez may be forced to undergo further surgery on the issue.

Should the 25-year-old need surgery, it may rule him out until December.

This latest setback for United means they will be left with Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire as their centre-back options, though Varane's fitness remains a concern.

Erik ten Hag was dealt a double blow yesterday when it was also announced emergency loan signing Sergio Reguilon would be sidelined following a hamstring injury.

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It means United have just one full-back in their squad, with Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all sidelined.

It means Sofyan Amrabat may be forced to play an extended role at left-back as he did against Crystal Palace in the League Cup midweek.

Meanwhile, Antony has been pictured back at training after being questioned by police over abuse allegations against his ex.

United host the Eagles once again at 3pm today.

You will be able to keep up with all the action on SunSport's Live Blog on the match.

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