Erik ten Hag will be without the defender in the Camp Nou
Martinez played in every Europa League group game for Manchester United last year (Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Lisandro Martinez will miss Manchester United’s Europa League knockout play-off first leg against Barcelona this week due to suspension.
The defender picked up three yellow cards during the group stages and as a result will sit out Wednesday’s first leg. He will be available for the Old Trafford return next week.
UEFA rules also state that from the group stage on, those with three yellow cards will be suspended again for every odd number of bookings they pick up – fifth, seventh and so on. Yellow cards are wiped after the quarter-final stage.
Cautions carry across all UEFA competitions, meaning January arrival Marcel Sabitzer is also banned for the trip to Spain. The 28-year-old collected three yellow cards in Bayern Munich’s Champions League group stage matches.
United midfielder Casemiro is available despite being in the middle of his three-game Premier League ban following his red card for violent conduct against Crystal Palace. Domestic suspensions are not carried over into European competition.
Luke Shaw could continue as the left-sided centre back in the absence of Martinez, having started there in Sunday’s 2-0 league win over Leeds. The injured Anthony Martial and Antony are expected to miss the tie with Scott McTominay also a doubt. Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek will not travel amid their long-term injuries.
Barcelona are set to be without Sergio Busquets due to a ligament injury with Ousmane Dembele also doubtful. United were drawn against Barcelona in the play-off round having finished second in their Europa League group while the Spanish giants dropped into the competition after coming third in their Champions League group.
SOURCE: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
