Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez should be back in the lineup shortly, according to Erik ten Hag, as Manchester United gets ready for their Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
The Reds made their comeback with a 2-0 victory over Burnley in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford, but despite the clean sheet, Casemiro shifting into the back four gave the defense a somewhat shaky appearance.
Diogo Dalot was injured and Harry Maguire was unwell, but Martinez and Varane's World Cup exploits went all the way to the final on Sunday.
On Harry Maguire's availability, the boss stated after the victory over Burnley: “I can’t answer because Harry is sick. I don’t know how that develops. We have to wait. Maybe the coming hours, maybe the coming days, and then we will see if he is available for Forest.”
However, he was clear that both Martinez and Varane should be back shortly after their endeavours in Qatar.
“I can't answer that question now,” he said, when asked if Lisandro will be back for the Forest game.
“He is still celebrating now in Buenos Aires now, going around in the touring car! Going around in Buenos Aires and I can understand it, it is very emotional when you achieve this World Cup success in your country.
“It is magnificent, it is the highest that you can achieve [in football]. Licha also has to understand that on December 27, the Premier League is back!'”
Concerning Raphael Varane's return the Dutch tactician explained “He [Varane] is disappointed, as anybody would be after losing the World Cup final,” added the manager.
“I think he can also be proud [to have played] again in the final, with all that he has achieved in his football career.
“It is a massive performance as a team, and a player like Rapha, when you win so many trophies. Even though he finished second, it is a massive achievement because the level of the nation is so high. They came into the final and, even in the final, they were very close.”
Ten Hag added that he does not think Jadon Sancho will be available.
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