Mail: Michael Carrick could have ‘perfect’ star back at his disposal in time for Palace in major fitness boost
Lisandro Martinez could return from his brief injury setback in time to play against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
MailSport has confirmed that the Argentine’s calf injury is only a “minor issue”, which could well cause him to miss just one match.
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That being said, it’s not as if Michael Carrick would be desperate to bring Martinez back, as Leny Yoro oversaw a huge 90-minute shift in his opposite number’s absence.
The youngster partnered Harry Maguire as the Reds earned their first away clean sheet since March 2025 via a narrow 1-0 victory over Everton, who produced 10 shots and 10 corners, while using some unusual techniques to say the least.
Still, when Martinez returns to fitness, one would imagine he will be reinstated into the XI as soon as possible, given the impact he can have in central defense.
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Amad Diallo praised the 27-year-old for his ‘Perfect’ passing abilities recently, and that’s a feeling anyone watching him in action will vouch for.
“Martinez is very good at giving that kind of ball away because, before the match, when you speak with him, he will say to you: ‘Make the run and I will give you the perfect ball’,” said Amad, reflecting on Martinez’s assist for him against Manchester City at the Etihad in 2024.
“Sometimes you don’t even need to communicate with him, he already knows it. When you run he already knows it and gives a perfect ball.”
Martinez’s ability to break lines and find gaps that few other defenders could find is what sets him apart from others at his position, not to mention his pressure resistance, physicality and confidence for a player of his smaller stature.
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