Martinez returns to Carrington

The Argentina defender has been out of action since April, following a metatarsal injury he sustained against Sevilla in our Europa League quarter-final first leg.

After subsequent surgery and careful rehabilitation during the end of our 2022/23 campaign and the off-season weeks that followed, Licha has announced his delight at being back at Carrington.

Some of Erik ten Hag's players are due back in training as soon as next week, with Martinez expected to be one of those following his absence at the end of last season.

So happy to be here! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Lejz1D04PO

— Lisandro Martinez (@LisandrMartinez) June 29, 2023

Having enjoyed a terrific first season at Old Trafford, the news of Licha's imminent return will be a huge boost for Ten Hag's plans for our upcoming  campaign, after forming such a formidable partnership with fellow centre-back Raphael Varane.

In total, the former Ajax man made 45 appearances for the Reds across our 2022/23 season, scoring his first goal for the club against Arsenal in our 3-2 defeat in the Premier League, and becoming a fans' favourite.

Martinez also posted another update just last week, regarding his vow to return to full fitness, as he was snapped on the training pitch running for the very first time.

The Reds' pre-season campaign is set to get under way on 12 July, as we take on Leeds United in Oslo at the Ullevaal Stadium.

Later next month, Ten Hag's squad are set to embark on a journey to the United States for Tour 2023, with Arsenal, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund all games in which Martinez will, no doubt, hope to be involved in, while a younger team looks set to take on Wrexham in San Diego.

We can't wait to see you out on the pitch soon, Licha!