Why Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez did not play for Argentina last week
manchestereveningnews.co.ukArgentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has quashed any suggestions Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is struggling with his fitness after he was left out of the starting XI for last Thursday's 1-1 draw with Venezuela.
The United centre-back was a surprise omission from the starting line up for the World Cup qualifier, being replaced in the heart of the back-four by Nicolas Otamendi.
The former Manchester City defender justified his inclusion after just 13 minutes, scoring the game's opening goal before former Everton and West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon brought Venezuela level with 25 minutes left on the clock. READ MORE: United fixture changes confirmed as latest Premier League TV picks announced READ MORE: City might be showing United what to do with managerial change strategy Martinez, who was an unused substitute in United's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa at Villa Park prior to the international break, had started each of Argentina's last five matches prior to Thursday's clash, including five of their six matches at the Copa America during the summer.
Having been such a key staple for his country, his omission from the starting XI prompted fears that he was carrying an injury issue.
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