L. Martinez shares surgery update & opens up on battling through 'stormy days'

Lisandro Martinez has shed light on the 'sadness and helplessness' he felt after tearing his ACL in a heartfelt update to supporters following surgery.

The Argentine defender could be out for up to a year after picking up the injury during Manchester United's 2-0 defeat by Crystal Palace earlier this month.

Mail Sport revealed this week that the 27-year-old was due to have an operation in London on Thursday. Martinez has now updated supporters on his condition and thanked his family, friends and team-mates for their support.

'Today, after going through several stormy days where I allowed myself to feel and accept my sadness, helplessness, insecurities, fears, and a deep emotional imbalance, I am reconnecting with my essence and my values, which help me see things from a kinder and more positive perspective,' he wrote on Instagram.

'I feel immense gratitude for the incredible work and support of Man United, Argentina federation, my family, friends, teammates, and everyone who took the time to send me a message of encouragement'.

'The surgery went perfectly! Now it's time to give it my all, with heart and soul, in the rehabilitation process.'

Recovery periods can range from anywhere between six months and a year. Should Martinez respond well, he may have the opportunity to return to fitness for the start of next season.

A year ago, he damaged the medial ligament in his right knee - but the injury didn’t require surgery and he was back eight games later.

Martinez has seen his time at Old Trafford punctuated by a variety of injuries.

Since his £56.7m move from Ajax in 2022, he has also had two operations on his foot and has appeared in 58 of 100 Premier League matches.

The Red Devils were further rocked on Saturday night following the news of the season-ending injury to Amad Diallo.

As Mail Sport exclusively revealed on Saturday, Diallo was hurt in training this week and is still being assessed, but he is expected to be out for at least two months and may not play again this campaign.

The news is another bitter blow to head coach Ruben Amorim who has also lost Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Toby Collyer for the trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after all three midfielders were injured in training this week.