Martinez suffered a recurrence of his metatarsal injury earlier this season and he has since undergone an operation under the club's advice.

The centre-back was recently spotted in a protective boot in a team dinner and Ten Hag has confirmed that he won't return before Christmas.

Meanwhile, the same will be the case with Casemiro, who sustained a hamstring injury against Newcastle United earlier last week.

The Brazilian returned from a swollen ankle against the Magpies only to suffer another setback. He was substituted at the interval.

The manager has now confirmed that he is likewise out until Christmas. The news is a huge blow for United for the coming games.

Martinez and Casemiro are key players in their starting line-up and they will be sorely missed. They were stand-out performers last term.

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