Following the announcement that center backs Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez would be out for at least a month, Manchester United has now suffered yet another ιnjury setback.

Martinez, who only returned after an eight-week layoff due to damage to his knee ligaments in Saturday’s draw against Brentford and missed four months of the season due to foot surgery, is particularly hurt by this setback.

The reliable Argentina defender, who made just his 11th appearance of the season at the Gtech Community Stadium after coming on as a 69th-minute replacement, tore his calf muscle on Tuesday during practice at Carrington.

After being evaluated by United’s medical staff, Martinez took Lindelof’s position when the Swede suffered a hamstring ιnjury against Brentford. Martinez will also be sidelined for the remainder of April.

With groin surgery in December, Lindelof has already missed two months of the campaign.

Both players are anticipated to return to action this season, as United will play in three Premier League games in May and, should they defeat Coventry City in the semi-finals later this month, may participate in another FA Cup final.

But for manager Erik ten Hag, who has struggled with injuries during his second season in command, it’s yet another major blоw.

Ten Hag now has just two healthy center backs in Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire as United gets ready for their trips to Chelsea on Thursday night and their matchup with Liverpool on Sunday at Old Trafford. Evans and Luke Shaw are also out.