Erik ten Hag revealed that he had to decline Lisandro Martinez's request to join Manchester United's upcoming Premier League clash with Arsenal.
Ten Hag has been hit by an injury crisis in recent weeks, with several first-team defenders – including Martinez – sidelined with various problems.
The injuries have forced Brazilian midfielder Casemiro to dive into defense but he was seriously exposed in the match 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in a game where Jamie Carragher claimed he could no longer perform at an elite level.
Argentina centre-back Martinez is nearing a return from the treatment room after playing a part March's draw against Brentford only to miss United's next seven games with a recurring problem.
Ten Hag revealed that Martinez has asked to play in Sunday's match against Premier League leaders Arsenal at Old Trafford, but says he had to turn down the request as he is still not ready.
“Yesterday, Licha [Lisandro Martinez] came to me and wanted to play against Arsenal on Sunday, but he is not ready yet,” Ten Hag said at his pre-match press conference.
“He needs a little more time to go through the process, but he's so desperate.”
Manchester United desperately need to find some form ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City at the end of the month, even if picking up points against Arsenal would boost City's title hopes.
United are only eighth in the Premier League ahead of the visit of Arsenal, who are bidding to win their first league title since 2004.
Arsenal came from behind to beat Manchester United 3-1 in the reverse fixture in September, with Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus both scoring injury-time goals in the entertaining win.
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