Manchester United’s talented forward, Anthony Martial, is facing an extended period on the sidelines after undergoing groin surgery, as confirmed by the club on Wednesday. The Frenchman is expected to be out for a staggering 10 weeks following discussions with United’s medical staff. This lengthy lay-off does not bode well for Martial, as it raises concerns about his future at Old Trafford, with his current contract set to expire in June.
With United deciding against triggering an automatic one-year extension, the 24-year-old striker is set to become a free agent in the summer. This unfortunate timing, coupled with his prolonged absence, casts doubt on whether Martial has played his final game for the club. Since joining Manchester United from Monaco in 2015, Martial has had his fair share of ups and downs, but his potential departure would still be viewed as a significant loss.
Martial’s absence from the pitch hasn’t gone unnoticed, with his last appearance dating back to the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on December 9th. Initially, he was ruled out due to illness, but it has since been revealed that he has been struggling with a groin injury which ultimately required surgical intervention. This unfortunate setback adds to what has been a frustrating season for Martial, as he has only managed to make 19 appearances so far, scoring just two goals.
With the completion of a successful surgery, Martial will now begin the arduous process of rehabilitation, which is estimated to take approximately 10 weeks. Manchester United has expressed their well-wishes for a speedy recovery, while eagerly anticipating his return to the pitch. The absence of Martial, a key attacking player, poses a significant challenge for the team, especially in their pursuit of success in both domestic and European competitions.
Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, remains optimistic and hopeful about the return of other injured players for the upcoming FA Cup fourth round tie against Newport County. Lisandro Martínez and Casemiro were able to rejoin the squad ahead of the 2-2 draw with Tottenham, and there is the possibility that both Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw will make their comebacks, having made progress in their respective recoveries.
Maguire has been sidelined since December due to a groin injury, while Shaw has been absent for the last four games due to a hamstring problem. The potential return of these valuable defenders could provide the team with a much-needed boost during Martial’s absence.
As Anthony Martial embarks on his rehabilitation journey, the speculation surrounding his future at Manchester United continues to grow. With his contract due to expire in a few months and the uncertainty surrounding his prolonged absence, the possibility remains that we may have witnessed Martial’s last game in a Manchester United shirt. The next few months will undoubtedly be crucial in determining the path Martial’s career will take and the impact it will have on the club.