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Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez not expected to return to Man Utd until next week

Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are not expected to return to Manchester United until next week following their involvement in the World Cup final on Sunday, The Telegraph report.

Varane was a key player for France en route to the final where they lost to Argentina in a penalty shoot-out. He played 113 minutes against La Albiceleste before being taken off with fatigue.

Meanwhile, Martinez did not play any part against Les Bleus. The 24-year-old was an unused substitute for Lionel Scaloni’s side. However, he was crucial in the victories over Mexico and Netherlands.

It is now reported that both centre-backs have been given a breather after their excursions for their countries and they won’t be returning to the club until next week – no actual date is mentioned.

Varane and Martinez could be out for two matches

It is quite obvious that the duo won’t be available for tomorrow’s Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Burnley at Old Trafford. Harry Maguire looks likely to partner Victor Lindelof in central defence.

Maguire and Lindelof could also continue in the Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on December 27 as Varane and Martinez won’t be drafted straight into the side without team training.

Hence, the league outing at Wolverhampton Wanderers on New Year’s Eve could be a realistic return date for the pair, who are valued at a combined €90 million by Transfermarkt.

Regardless of this, Erik ten Hag will be expecting a strong performance from his squad, starting from the Clarets clash. Vincent Kompany’s side can’t be underestimated due to their excellent Championship form.

United will go into the Cup tie as clear favourites, but the Clarets have been a bogey club for them. They have avoided a defeat in four of the previous six trips to Old Trafford (one win and three draws).

Stats from Transfermarkt.com