Martinez watches training at Carrington

The Argentina international has not played for the Reds since the UEFA Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich in September, after suffering a recurrence of the metatarsal issue which prematurely ended his debut campaign with the club.

Licha fractured his foot during April’s Europa League quarter-final clash against Sevilla but was able to return in time for pre-season following an operation.

The fans’ favourite made six appearances at the beginning of 2023/24 but it was decided he would require further surgery after aggravating the issue.

Martinez has recently spent time in his native Argentina as he recuperates but the 25-year-old is now back at base and was in attendance for the squad’s training session, supporting team-mates as they prepare for a big week of domestic and European action.

Erik ten Hag’s squad visit Everton in the Premier League on Sunday, ahead of tough trips to Galatasaray and Newcastle United.

The boss said it would be hard to put an exact timescale on Martinez’s return, when speaking to the press before our recent meeting with FC Copenhagen in Denmark.

When discussing United’s injury list, Ten Hag did suggest that we wouldn’t see the centre-back – or fellow South American, Casemiro – this side of the festive period, though.

“I have some time schedules but it’s always difficult to predict that because there can be setbacks during a rehab period,” warned Ten Hag.

“I’m always holding back a little bit on such issues. I expect some players back [soon] but Casemiro and Martinez are really strong injuries – I don’t expect them back before Christmas.”

The squad was boosted earlier on Wednesday as Luke Shaw returned to group training after three months on the sidelines.