Manchester United defender Martínez out two months with injury

Manchester United have confirmed that Lisandro Martínez is expected to be out for two months with a knee injury.

Martinez was sent off during the second half of United's 3-0 win over West Ham on Sunday after a collision with Vladimír Coufal.

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The defender underwent scans on Monday and United confirmed the Argentina international is expected to miss the next eight weeks.

A source told ESPN that Martinez's relatively short absence is seen as positive news for United, who were concerned on Sunday that he may need surgery.

A statement released by the club on Monday read: “Lisandro Martínez has suffered a medial collateral ligament injury in his knee and is expected to be out for at least eight weeks.

“The Argentine defender left the pitch in the 71st minute of our 3-0 win over West Ham United at Old Trafford on Sunday. We all wish Licha a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch later in the season. “

The confirmation of Martinez's absence is a blow to manager Erik ten Hag, who had only just welcomed the 26-year-old back from a foot injury.

The centre-back was ruled out in September after undergoing a second operation following a foot problem suffered last season.

After being out for more than four months, Martinez had started United's last three games, but is now expected to remain out at least until the international break in March.