The bulldog-like defender, who had lifted the World Cup with Argentina four months earlier, fractured his metatarsal so badly against Sevilla in a Europa League clash that opposing countrymen Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel carried him off the pitch.
Martinez was then scooted down the tunnel on a stretcher, which in retrospect signalled the start of a long stretch of injury frustration.
His subsequent operation forced him to miss the final 13 matches of the season, including the FA Cup final. In an update on social media on April 17, Martinez wrote: "Everything went really well, thanks to God! Many thanks for all of your messages. Now focusing on the recovery."
That recovery appeared to go to plan, as the 26-year-old returned in time for pre-season, playing 316 minutes across five starts during the tour of the US and domestic friendlies.
However, he would play just seven matches during the regular season before his foot issue flared up once again. "He has to be strong. He will fight back, I'm sure," said Erik ten Hag upon the recurrence of his problem in September.
Martinez required a second round of surgery and the club were careful not to rush him back. In November, during a visit to his homeland to watch former club Defensa y Justicia, Martinez encouraged fans to be 'patient' with his recovery.
Denne historien er fra April 05, 2024-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 05, 2024-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
DON'T PANIC
KOVACIC CONFIDENT BLUES CAN OVERCOME SLUMP
Zlatan not ruling out Vic switch
AC MILAN advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic has refused to rule out the possibility of United centre-back Victor Lindelof joining the Italian club next summer.
Carsley gives respect to Ireland after Greece win
INTERIM boss Lee Carsley says celebrations are on ice as England look to follow up their impressive win in Greece by sealing promotion back to the Nations League top tier by beating the Republic of Ireland.
Young Heskey aims to step out of dad's shadow with Blues
\"IT'S the normal,\" says one of the latest City academy strikers catching attention in describing his upbringing.
Safety pledge for Brits going overseas for ops
THE Health Secretary has said he will work to improve safety for Britons travelling abroad for cosmetic procedures in the wake of several deaths.
£15m 'wasted' on migrant camp site
THE Home Office spent £15m buying a derelict prison contaminated with asbestos amid political pressure to stop housing migrants in hotels, according to Whitehall's spending watchdog.
Experts: Climate talks 'no longer fit for purpose'
THE process of UN climate negotiations is no longer fit for purpose and requires a comprehensive overhaul, leading experts have warned.
McCall reveals tumour diagnosis
CELEBRITIES have flocked to wish Davina McCall well after she revealed she has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, with fellow TV presenter Amanda Holden sending \"so much love\".
'Revenge' shooting teen faces years behind bars
BOY BLASTED AT CLOSE RANGE WITH SHOTGUN IN PREMEDITATED AND PRE-PLANNED' ATTACK
'It was dark, the waves were very high - it was very, very hard'
THE M.E.N. SPEAKS TO ASYLUM SEEKERS WHOSE HOUSING AT A HOTEL HAS DIVIDED A TOWN
