Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister has sent an emotional message to injury-stricken Manchester United defender and Argentina team-mate Lisandro Martinez. The Red Devils centre-back was stretchered off in tears during Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace after falling to the ground clutching his knee.

Reports from Argentina have now confirmed that the injury is as severe as initially suspected. Martinez will be out for the rest of the season, and the typical recovery period for a cruciate injury can be up to nine months.

It marks the second time the Argentine has suffered a knee injury at United. The 27-year-old missed several months last season due to a medial collateral ligament injury.

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And Reds midfielder Mac Allister has now sent a classy message on social media. “Stay strong my friend! To come back stronger than ever," he said on his Instagram stories alongside a picture of him with Martinez.

Both players were part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar and last summer's Copa America victory in the United States.

Mac Allister has also been a key player for Liverpool under Arne Slot this season. The 26-year-old has made 32 appearances so far, returning three goals and three assists.

Fielded in a slightly more advanced role than he had been under Slot's predecessor, Jurgen Klopp, Mac Allister has helped the Reds enjoy a remarkable season so far under their new Dutch head coach.

Liverpool are currently six points clear of second-placed Arsenal in the Premier League, with a game in hand over the Gunners. Slot's team are also in the Champions League last 16 and face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-finals before taking on Plymouth in the FA Cup fourth round this weekend.