Man Utd defender absent for Chelsea game

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez will be ruled out of the Premier League game against Chelsea on the road on Saturday night.

The Red Devils returned to league action against Leeds United yesterday. They suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss with Noah Okafor bagging a brace.

In the same game, Martinez was sent off for misconduct after pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair, and he will now face a three-match suspension.

United are planning to appeal the decision, but reports claim the sending-off will be upheld ahead of the weekend showdown at Stamford Bridge.

United are seven points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea, and a victory or draw in west London would boost their Champions League qualification bid.

On the other hand, a defeat to the Blues could see the gap reduce to four points and cause a nervous end to the campaign for the Red Devils.

While Martinez looks set to be suspended, the Red Devils will have the services of Harry Maguire after his red card against Bournemouth.