Carrick delighted: £56.7m Man Utd star set to make early return from injury, could be available vs Palace

Manchester United have been handed a significant injury boost ahead of their next Premier League assignment.

Lisandro Martinez was absent for the trip to Everton after sustaining a calf issue, leaving a notable void in defence.

Initial fears suggested he could be sidelined for up to two weeks, but the latest development comes as welcome relief to the United faithful.

According to The Daily Mail, Martinez’s injury is a minor problem and he could make his return against Palace on Sunday.

The Argentine only returned to action in November 2025 following an arduous eight-month lay-off caused by an anterior cruciate ligament setback.

Then-head coach Ruben Amorim carefully reintroduced him, largely utilising him from the bench to rebuild match sharpness.

However, he has been virtually undroppable in the opening five matches under Michael Carrick.

He has formed a solid centre-back partnership with Harry Maguire at the heart of the defence.

In his absence against Everton, Leny Yoro stepped into the starting XI and delivered a performance full of maturity and composure.

Unfortunately, Yoro could find himself back among the substitutes should Martinez be declared fit for the next encounter.

We believe Carrick may not be willing to take risks with the £56.7 million-rated ace, especially given his history of injuries.

Yoro has done enough to merit another opportunity, and even if Martinez starts, the young French defender could prove a valuable second-half reinforcement.

Maguire and Yoro looked solid together but United lacked a player like Martinez, who regularly plays vertical passes forward.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .