Manchester United's defensive woes continue as Lisandro Martinez faces another extended spell on the sidelines. Manager Michael Carrick avoided confirming whether the club appealed the defender's recent red card, but was clear that Martinez will miss the crucial upcoming fixture against Chelsea.

The suspension stems from a moment of frustration in the defeat to Leeds, where Martinez was sent off for grabbing Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair. The resulting three-match ban also rules him out of key home clashes with Brentford and Liverpool, meaning his next possible return isn't until the trip to Sunderland on May 9th.

This latest absence compounds a difficult season for the Argentine center-back. Having only made his season debut in late November after recovering from a major cruciate ligament surgery, his campaign has been plagued by stop-starts, including a calf injury sustained after the West Ham match in February.

For a player once hailed for his tenacity and defensive grit, this persistent unavailability is becoming a serious concern. With just 73 Premier League appearances in nearly four seasons at Old Trafford, his reliability is under intense scrutiny. As the club plans for the future, Martinez's injury record could become a significant factor in decisions regarding his long-term role, especially with his current contract running until 2027. For United fans and the team's backline, it's another frustrating wait for a key defender's return.