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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Martinez named in squad for friendlies</li><li>Defender still out with ligament injury</li><li>Will travel to USA with Argentina team</li></ul>

Explained: Why injured Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez has bizarrely been named in Argentina squad alongside Lionel Messi for friendly games in United States

World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL

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Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni named the 26-year-old in his squad for the upcoming friendlies against El Salvador and Costa Rica this month. However, Martinez has been out with an injury since early-February and is not fit to feature for the Albiceleste.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Scaloni opted to add the centre-back to the list of players who will travel to the United States for the upcoming matches because wants him to close to the team, even if he cannot play, <a href="https://www.espn.com.ar/futbol/mundial/nota/_/id/13365977/scaloni-sumo-a-lisandro-martinez-a-la-convocatoria-de-la-seleccion" target="_blank">ESPN</a> reports. The World Cup-winning manager is already thinking about the Copa America and expects to have Martinez available for the summer competition, and feels it will benefit the player and the team to have him spend more time with Lionel Messi and the rest of his co-stars in the host country.

THE EXPLANATION

Martinez has managed just 10 appearances for United this season. He suffered a foot injury in mid-September that kept him out of action until January. After just four appearances, he sustained another issue that has seen him sidelined since early-February.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The ex-Ajax star will continue his rehabilitation at United as he hopes to be available for Erik ten Hag's team before long. He will have to watch on from the sidelines as United take on Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.

WHAT NEXT FOR MARTINEZ?

Explained: Why injured Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez has bizarrely been named in Argentina squad alongside Lionel Messi for friendly games in United States | Goal.com Malaysia

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has been called up to the Argentina national team despite being out with a ligament injury.