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
Jude's message to former City star on his retirement
JUDE Bellingham has sent a heartfelt message to Jesus Navas after the former City forward played the final game of his professional career on Sunday.
Pep reiterates how difficult it is to find the right players in a January window
PEP Guardiola said that nobody at City looks as good as normal in their losing run as he picked out two players for their efforts.
County boss gets in the festive spirit
STOCKPORT County manager Dave Challinor insists the Hatters will embrace and enjoy the unique challenges of professional football in England over the festive period.
PEP'S NOT READY TO TAKE KLOPP'S ROUTE OUT
CITY manager Pep Guardiola claimed he would ‘sleep better’ when Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp departs and so far, his comments may not be entirely true.
Lewis focused on the biggest challenge of all
England head coach Jon Lewis says his side are in “a really good place” for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia, which he describes as cricket’s “hardest challenge”.
Draper sets sights on hitting the top
US OPEN SEMI-FINAL GAVE BRITISH TALENT A TASTE OF THE BIG TIME
Retail figures look 'disastrous'
THIS Christmas appears to have been “disastrous” for retailers as households battle with ongoing cost-of-living pressures, new figures suggest.
Loyalty card issue for Morrisons
MORRISONS has cut the price of items including turkeys and Champagne for all shoppers, after a system glitch hit its loyalty card yesterday, but some customers may face delayed Christmas orders.
King's focus is on value of health
THE King’s Christmas message will focus on the efforts of healthcare workers, following a year that saw Charles and the Princess of Wales treated for cancer.
Man denies CEO killing
THE man accused of fatally shooting the chief executive of the United States health insurance provider UnitedHealthcare in New York yesterday pleaded not guilty to murder and terror charges, in a state case that will run parallel to his federal prosecution.
