LISANDRO MARTINEZ was forced off with a “very bad” injury during Manchester United’s clash with West Ham, manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed.

The Red Devils centre-back, 26, only returned from injury last month after a lengthy period out.

Lisandro Martinez was forced off with what appeared to be a knee injuryCredit: AP

This was the moment his leg appeared to bend horribly when tussling with Vladimir Coufal

He was clearly in a lot of painCredit: Getty

Martinez soldiered on for a few minutes before he went down again and was replacedCredit: Getty

Erik ten Hag faces more time without MartinezCredit: Getty

But now he faces more time on the sideline after going down with a leg problem in the game against West Ham at Old Trafford.

Martinez initially went over after tangling for the ball with Vladimir Coufal.

He carried on, but then hit the deck again a few minutes later and was replaced by Raphael Varane.

When asked about him after the game, Ten Hag was quoted as saying the defender “doesn’t look well” and that it is “very bad for him, very bad for the team”.

He went on to add: “It seems bad, we have to wait and make the right diagnosis.

“In this moment we are very sad, hopefully it is not too bad but we can only pray.

“It looks like he has to sit some games out injured again.”

Martinez started the game alongside Harry Maguire as Varane dropped to the bench.

He suffered a foot injury back in September that ruled him out until the new year.

He returned as a substitute in Man Utd’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham in mid-January.

After playing in the win over Newport in the FA Cup, he started his first Premier League game in four and a half months against Wolves as his side sealed a 4-3 victory.

But there were concerns at Molineux when Martinez was spotted having his foot bandaged after coming off in the latter stages.

And now even more Man Utd supporters will be fearing another period without Martinez.

Since signing from Ajax last summer, he has made 54 appearances for United, scoring once.

He is set to join Anthony Martial, Mason Mount and Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the injury list as Man Utd approach a crucial period in the season.

Martinez has played just seven Premier League games this season