Man United centre-back Lisandro Martinez is set for another extended spell on the sidelines due to a foot injury

Lisandro Martinez and David de Gea (Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has sent a heartfelt message to his former teammate Lisandro Martinez after it was announced he will undergo surgery to resolve a foot injury.

The Argentine defender was confirmed to be sidelined for a long stretch of time last week after it was announced he had suffered a recurrence of a foot issue which kept him out of the latter stages of the last campaign. However, on Tuesday Erik ten Hag confirmed his centre-back will need to undertake an operation which is expected to keep him out until 2024.

On Friday, the manager sent a message to his centre-back. He said: “That’s really sad, disappointing news. He has to go through the same process and I’m really sorry for him.

“The squad will miss him. As you know, we have more injuries, so we always have to deal with it as a squad. As a club, we have to deal with injuries.

“He has to be strong. He will fight back, I’m sure. He is a character.

“There is still a long season ahead and he will be fit. We have to do our job, to get ourselves in the right position, so he can contribute, and add quality, when he returns.”

Adding to his old manager’s thoughts, De Gea took to Instagram to post a three-word message to his friend. He posted on his story: “Stay strong warrior.”

David de Gea’s message to Lisandro Martinez

De Gea has yet to find a new club since leaving Old Trafford at the beginning of the summer when his contract expired. Recent reports suggested the Spaniard was contemplating his retirement from football.