Michael Carrick has provided a positive update on Lisandro Martinez’s fitness ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Leeds, suggesting the defender should be in line to play a part at Old Trafford.

Martinez has missed United’s last five matches due to a calf injury, last featuring in the side’s 1-1 draw away to West Ham in the Premier League on February 10.

There had initially been hopes that Martinez could make his comeback for United’s match with Aston Villa last month, only for the 28-year-old centre-back to suffer a frustrating setback in training.

It meant the Argentina international also had to sit out the Red Devils’ 1-1 draw with Bournemouth before the international break, with Leny Yoro continuing his run in the side alongside Harry Maguire.

But Maguire’s sending off at the Vitality Stadium means the England centre-half will be suspended for next Monday’s contest versus Leeds – and Martinez has been stepping up his rehabilitation in a race to be back fit.

United fans breathed a collective sigh of relief as Martinez was included in Carrick’s 25-man squad for this week’s intensive training camp in the Republic of Ireland.

Patrick Dorgu also made the trip across the...