Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has been declared “ready” to return to action ahead of this week’s Europa League meeting with Bodo/Glimt.

Martinez had to withdraw from Argentina’s squad earlier this month due to concerns over a back issue and subsequently missed the 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town on Sunday.

But both he and Harry Maguire returned to training on Wednesday. And while Maguire isn’t considered fit enough to get straight back into playing after a longer absence, Martinez could now feature in Ruben Amorim’s new look back three.

“Licha is ready. He didn’t stop [playing for] too much time so I feel he is ready,” Amorim told the assembled media on Wednesday.

“It is a different situation with Harry, we need them both but they are in a different situation. They are both training, Harry soon will be on the pitch also.”

Injuries to Martinez, Maguire and Victor Lindelof, who was struck down while playing for Sweden during the international break, saw Amorim name a patched up defence at Portman Road. Leny Yoro, who returned to full training in Amorim’s first session, has still been building his match fitness.

Matthijs de Ligt was flanked by veteran Jonny Evans and natural full-back Noussair Mazraoui on Sunday, with Amad Diallo and Diogo Dalot then employed as wing-backs in the new-look formation. Eventually, De Ligt, Martinez and Yoro could be the centre-back trio once everyone is fit and available.

United have very rarely played with a back three over the years, but Amorim’s system has the potential to revolutionise things if the squad can get to grips with it. But the coach himself admitted after the Ipswich game that it would be no quick transition, while Maguire suggested that the players might have got caught up in overthinking their new positions.

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