Erik ten Hag shares updates on Varane, Martinez, and Maguire. First-choice center-backs Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are anticipated to re-join the group soon, according to Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. Harry Maguire had resumed training following an illness, he added. The squads for Varane and Martinez’s sides competed in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final on December 18.
While the latter sat on the bench for Argentina’s entire match, the former played 113 minutes for France before leaving with cramps. After one of the greatest matches ever, in which Martinez and La Albiceleste ultimately prevailed, both players were given an extra week off. The national squad of the former AFC Ajax center-back returned to Argentina from Qatar to commemorate their World Cup victory.
After England was eliminated by Raphael Varane’s France in the quarterfinals, Harry Maguire returned to Manchester United. He was ill last week and was unable to attend the Red Devils’ 2-0 EFL Cup victory over Burnley, but he is already back in training.
Ten Hag was quoted by the Manchester Evening News as saying the following before United’s matchup with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on December 27: “Rapha Varane and Licha Martinez have not returned to United, but we anticipate their return [soon]. We had several health issues, including Harry Maguire, but I’m pleased that he was back on the practice field today.”
Maguire’s readiness to start the match against Forest is still up in the air. Victor Lindelof will be the only senior center-back available for Manchester United if the Englishman is not up to speed.
Diogo Dalot, the right defender for the Red Devils, is also most certainly out due to an injury sustained while playing for Portugal at the FIFA World Cup. Dalot was absent from the Burnley game, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka started in his place. Another player whose ailment will prevent him from playing against Forest is Jadon Sancho.
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