While many of Manchester United's stars are already home from Qatar, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane remain at the tournament.
With France and Argentina both set to play two more games at the World Cup, it is unlikely that the two centre-backs will get much time to train or rest between the end of the World Cup and United's first game back against Burnley in the Carabao Cup.
While United can probably manage against Burnley without their starting defensive duo, they will be hoping that they'll both be fit and ready to face Wolves on December 27 when they resume their Premier League campaign.
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Varane has endured numerous injury issues throughout his time at Old Trafford and with the added fixture congestion this season, Erik ten Hag may have been hoping that the Frenchman would get some rest during the domestic season's pause - especially given the fact he missed a number of games before the start of the World Cup.
That being said, Martinez will be the player most United fans are eager to see back in the team. Since his transfer in the summer, he has quickly become a cult hero and has shown his pedigree in United's backline.
Luckily for United, he doesn't seem to be Lionel Scaloni's preferred option at centre-back and if the manager does not continue to use the three-at-the-back formation that Argentina deployed against the Netherlands, he will likely see less game time.
Ten Hag will be hoping Harry Maguire will be able to continue his good form from the World Cup and act as a worthy deputy if needed. United have a long season ahead of them and even though we are nearly past the World Cup, it doesn't mean that there isn't still a long way to go.
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