Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez is facing at least eight weeks on the sidelines after damaging his medial collateral ligament.
The Argentine had recently returned from a foot injury that saw him miss 22 games.
The 26-year-old was forced off in the 71st minute of Sunday’s 3-0 win over West Ham, after a collision with Vladamir Coufal that saw his knee buckle, as the pair tussled for possession.
The Red Devils will have to rely once again on the services of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans. Martinez’s contribution since his return against Spurs in January has seen United go on a brilliant unbeaten run.
Martinez’s center-back play saw United move to within six points of fifth-placed Tottenham with their win against the Hammers and will look to charge into Champions League positions without the services of the mercurial defender.
Manchester United travel to Villa Park to face Unai Emery’s Aston Villa in Sunday’s crunch match.
