Three ways Erik ten Hag can solve Manchester United injury crisis after Lisandro Martinez blow

Manchester United are facing a defensive injury crisis ahead of games against Chelsea and Liverpool later this week after the news that Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez are facing a month on the sidelines with muscle injuries.

Erik ten Hag was already heading into two potentially season-defining games without Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, who missed Saturday's 1-1 draw at Brentford alongside Jonny Evans.

Lindelof, who suffered a hamstring injury at Brentford, was one of two defenders substituted in West London after Raphael Varane was withdrawn at half-time at the Gtech Community Stadium. Martinez replaced the Swede late in the second half for his first appearance in nearly eight weeks but has sustained a fresh calf injury in training in the days since at Carrington.

United, who announced the duo's injury concerns on Tuesday night, are hopeful that both Martinez and Lindelof can return before the end of the season, with United in the semi-finals of the FA Cup and battling for a place in the Premier League top four.

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As a result, Ten Hag could be with just three fit senior defenders for Thursday's Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge, Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bisakka.

It means that United could line up with Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Kambwala and Dalot at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, should Varane and Evans be deemed unavailable for selection.

However, if United's luck is a little more favourable and they are able to welcome the experienced duo into the fold, Ten Hag could select a more experienced backline of Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Dalot, or Wan-Bissaka, Evans, Maguire, Dalot.