Manchester United look set to be without defensive duo Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez for their clash against Nottingham Forest following the duo's involvement in the World Cup final.
United are set to host Steve Cooper's men at Old Trafford on December 27 (8pm kick-off) in their first Premier League fixture since the break for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
The tournament concluded last Sunday as Argentina emerged victorious from the final against France on penalties, with a number of United players now set to miss the clash against Forest as they take a break away from football prior to their return to domestic action.
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According to the Daily Mail, Erik ten Hag will be without his two first-choice centre-halves in Martinez, who was on the bench for Argentina, and Varane, who started for France. With both players expected to take a week off prior to rejoining their teammates.
Ten Hag will likely now have to turn to his second string options in the heart of the defence as the likes of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire, who impressed for England during their run in the World Cup, look to step in.
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