Manchester United have confirmed Anthony Martial faces a further spell on the sidelines after undergoing groin surgery.

Martial has not been seen since picking up an illness early in December and manager Erik ten Hag has given little away in public, repeatedly stressing Martial has been unwell or simply describing him as unavailable.

It has now emerged, however, that Martial has been battling a groin injury which, after surgery, will keep him out of action for over two months.

“Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has completed successful surgery to address a groin complaint and will be out of action for about ten weeks as he rehabilitates,” a club statement read.

“We wish Anthony a speedy recovery and look forward to his return.”

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Martial has already missed seven games through illness and injury but is now not due back on the pitch until mid-April, putting him in a race against time to return before the end of United’s Premier League season.

United face Bournemouth on April 13 and have just five more matches until the campaign comes to a close, at which point Martial’s current contract with the Red Devils is due to expire.

The 28-year-old’s contract does include the option for a 12-month extension but United are not expected to trigger that clause and could let Martial walk away for free in the summer after nine years at Old Trafford.

A new striker is on United’s radar for the summer transfer window as club officials hope to find an experienced head to help Rasmus Hojlund. 90min understands 21-year-old Ajax forward Brian Brobbey is not a target at this point.