Why Lisandro Martinez and Mason Mount Are Not in Man United Squad vs Crystal Palace — Full Injury Breakdown
Manchester United face Crystal Palace at Old Trafford with a four-player injury crisis on March 1, 2026. | Image: Trendy News / Man Utd via Getty Images
Manchester United host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford this Sunday afternoon in what is shaping up to be a pivotal Premier League fixture in the 2025–26 top-four race. However, the build-up to the match has been dominated not by tactical previews or transfer gossip, but by a deepening injury crisis that has left caretaker manager Michael Carrick facing some difficult selection decisions.
Two of United's most influential players — Argentine centre-back Lisandro Martinez and English midfielder Mason Mount — are set to miss the clash, along with fellow absentees Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu. For fans refreshing their feeds for the latest football transfer news today, the injury bulletin from Old Trafford is the real story.
Here is everything you need to know about why these key players are unavailable, how long they could be sidelined, and how United plan to cope in their absence.
Lisandro Martinez: A Calf Scare After Nine-Month ACL Recovery
The most alarming injury update of the week concerns Lisandro Martinez. The 28-year-old Argentine defender had only just returned to the Manchester United first team in November 2025 after spending almost nine months on the sidelines recovering from a serious ACL injury. His return was nothing short of transformational for the club.
Since coming back, United's record with Martinez in the starting XI has been noticeably stronger — winning five of the nine Premier League matches in which he has featured. Without him this season, they have won just eight of nineteen league games. The numbers tell a clear story: Martinez is arguably the most important player in Carrick's defensive setup.
So when the Argentine picked up a suspected calf issue in training during the week leading up to the Everton fixture, the whole fanbase held its breath. Carrick chose not to risk him for the midweek trip to Everton, where United ground out a narrow but crucial 1-0 win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
"Unfortunately he just picked up something during the week. It doesn't seem too bad at all, but we're just kind of working through that at the moment, so he's not available tonight." — Michael Carrick, pre-Everton press conference
The good news, confirmed by Argentine outlet Eldopolis Red, is that medical tests showed the issue is not serious. Carrick himself described it as a "small issue" and indicated Martinez was getting closer to returning to full first-team training. The manager was cautiously optimistic ahead of the Crystal Palace match but declined to confirm whether the defender would be risked.
"Yeah, Licha, it was a small issue, so he's getting closer. He won't be out for very long so we'll just monitor him over the next day, two, three or four days and see when he can come back, but he's not far away." — Michael Carrick, pre-Crystal Palace press conference
Given that United are fighting for a Champions League spot and have Newcastle United to face in midweek, Carrick will not rush the Argentine. Losing Martinez for an extended spell just as the season reaches its decisive phase would be a devastating blow to United's top-four ambitions.
Mason Mount: Four Matches Missed, But Return Is Imminent
The second big absence in the Man United squad for the Crystal Palace fixture is Mason Mount. The former Chelsea midfielder, who joined United in a high-profile £55 million transfer, has now missed four consecutive Premier League matches through a knock — although the tide appears to be turning.
According to reports from the Manchester Evening News, Mount has rejoined the first-team training group ahead of Sunday's match at Old Trafford. However, despite this promising development, he is widely expected to fall short of making the matchday squad against Crystal Palace. Carrick himself confirmed as much in his pre-match press conference, but offered hope that the England international could be available as early as the midweek fixture against Newcastle.
Mount last appeared as an unused substitute in the match against Arsenal on January 25, having scored and put in a man-of-the-match display against Wolves in December. His absence has been keenly felt by United, who rely on his relentless pressing, creative intelligence, and ability to connect play between midfield and attack.
"Mason is getting closer really. He is on the grass and he's getting closer, he is looking to train and be in around it pretty soon. He is just had to be patient really and he is a big player so we're looking after him, making sure he is ready for a big finish to the season." — Michael Carrick on Mason Mount
For a player signed to be a cornerstone of United's midfield for years to come, the 2025–26 campaign has been one of frustrating interruptions. His quality when fit is beyond doubt — as demonstrated by that starring performance against Wolves — but availability is becoming a concern. Carrick clearly values him enormously and is determined not to rush him back before he is fully ready.
Mount's Season in Numbers
Before his most recent injury setback, Mount had registered contributions in attack and demonstrated why Carrick considers him a "big player" for the run-in. His pressing metrics and off-ball work rate remain amongst the best in the squad. The question now is simply one of fitness — and all signs point toward a return in the coming days.
Matthijs de Ligt: Long-Term Back Problem Keeps Dutchman Out
While the Martinez and Mount situations offer hope of relatively swift returns, the absence of Dutch centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is a far more prolonged concern. The Netherlands international has now missed 15 consecutive matches in all competitions after sustaining a back problem that has proven stubbornly resistant to treatment.
Carrick confirmed ahead of the Palace game that De Ligt is "definitely improving," but was unwilling to put a specific timeframe on his return, with the most optimistic projections suggesting he could be back in action at some point in March. Given United's congested schedule, any return before April would be welcomed with open arms.
De Ligt's absence is particularly significant given the defensive injury crisis at Old Trafford. With both Martinez and Dorgu also sidelined, Carrick has had to rely on Leny Yoro and club captain Harry Maguire to hold the backline together. Yoro stepped up admirably in the win over Everton, but sustaining that level of performance over the business end of the season will be a stern test for the young Frenchman.
Patrick Dorgu: Hamstring Blow Ruins Momentum
Perhaps the cruelest blow of all has fallen on Patrick Dorgu. The Danish wing-back was arguably United's most in-form player over the past few weeks, capping a remarkable period with a goal in the dramatic 3–2 win over Arsenal. Then, in that very same match, he picked up a hamstring injury that cut short his brilliant run.
Carrick was visibly disappointed when asked about the 21-year-old's prognosis. The manager confirmed it was "a little bit more of a serious note" than initially hoped, and that Dorgu faces "a few weeks out" — with the current estimate pointing towards a return in mid-April. For a player who had given United's left side a new dimension, the timing could not have been worse.
"Pat, unfortunately, is going to be out for a period of time. We are still working through how long that is going to be. It's disappointing because he has had such a big couple of weeks." — Michael Carrick on Patrick Dorgu
What Does This Injury Crisis Mean for Man United vs Crystal Palace?
Manchester United head into Sunday's home fixture having lost four senior players to injury in a short space of time. Yet the mood inside Old Trafford remains one of cautious optimism, and there are reasons for that. United remain unbeaten under Michael Carrick. They kept a clean sheet without Martinez at Everton. And Crystal Palace, while always a tricky opponent, are also dealing with a significant injury list of their own.
Palace boss Oliver Glasner heads into the game without key striker Jean-Philippe Mateta (knee), Eddie Nketiah (strain), Jefferson Lerma (hamstring), and Cheick Doucouré (knee). Their attacking options are severely depleted, which somewhat levels the playing field despite United's defensive woes.
United's expected lineup looks set to feature the in-form Bryan Mbeumo — who has nine Premier League goals and three assists this season — alongside a defence anchored by Maguire and Yoro. In midfield, Carrick will look to his trusted options to control the tempo and limit Palace's counter-attacking threat, which will likely come through pace-merchant Ismaila Sarr.
Can United Cope Without Their Stars?
If Carrick's United has demonstrated anything in recent weeks, it is resilience. The squad has won games without Martinez before, and the collective organisation of the team has been impressive. Yoro's recent form has been a major bright spot, and Maguire continues to deliver when called upon.
The real test will come over the next three to four weeks, during which United face multiple must-win Premier League fixtures in the race for Champions League football next season. Getting Martinez and Mount back as quickly as possible — without risking further setbacks — will be the single most important job on Carrick's to-do list.
Transfer Implications: Could United Move for Cover?
With the January transfer window now closed, United have no immediate avenue to bring in reinforcements via a permanent deal. However, conversations in football circles suggest that the scale of the current injury crisis has renewed internal discussions about squad depth heading into the summer window.
Reports this week have also linked United with a potential summer move for a Newcastle United defensive stalwart, valued at around £35 million, as Carrick seeks to build a stronger, more resilient backline for next season. Whether Carrick himself is in the dugout for those summer dealings remains to be seen — pressure is growing for him to be given the job on a permanent basis, with several Premier League players and pundits backing the former United captain.
For now, though, the focus is entirely on Crystal Palace, a top-four race that is tightening with every gameweek, and on getting key players like Martinez and Mount back onto the pitch as swiftly and safely as possible.
Quick FAQ: Man United Injuries vs Crystal Palace
Is Lisandro Martinez playing vs Crystal Palace?
As of the latest update, Lisandro Martinez is expected to miss the Crystal Palace fixture on March 1, 2026, due to a calf issue sustained in training. Michael Carrick described it as a "small issue" and said the Argentine is "not far away" from returning — most likely targeting the Newcastle midweek fixture.
Is Mason Mount in Man United's squad vs Crystal Palace?
Mason Mount has returned to team training ahead of the Crystal Palace match but is widely expected to miss out on the matchday squad. The former Chelsea man has been absent for four consecutive Premier League games. He could return for the Newcastle fixture in midweek.
When will Matthijs de Ligt return from injury?
Matthijs de Ligt has missed 15 straight matches with a back problem. Carrick confirmed he is "definitely improving," but no specific return date has been given. March remains the most optimistic estimate, with early April also a possibility.
How long is Patrick Dorgu out for?
Patrick Dorgu suffered a hamstring injury during the dramatic 3–2 win over Arsenal. He is expected to miss several weeks, with his return currently estimated around mid-April 2026.
Final Thoughts
Manchester United's injury problems are real, they are significant, and they arrive at the worst possible moment in the Premier League season. But as Michael Carrick's squad has shown in recent weeks, they are not a team that folds under pressure. The wins have kept coming, the clean sheets have been maintained, and young players like Leny Yoro have stepped up to fill the void.
If United can navigate the Palace match — and the crucial midweek clash with Newcastle — without further injury setbacks, and if Martinez and Mount can return to full fitness before the end of March, Carrick's side will be well placed to secure the Champions League qualification they have been pushing for all season long.
For all the latest football transfer news today, Premier League team updates, and breaking injury bulletins, stay tuned to Trendy News — your go-to destination for the fastest, most reliable football news on the internet.
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