Raphael Varane reportedly did not pick up an injury during the 2022 World Cup final, with the France centre-back being substituted late on due to fatigue.
The 29-year-old was a key player for the Blues at the competition in Qatar, but he did not complete the final against Argentina, with the Manchester United defender being replaced in the 113th minute.
Varane collapsed to the turf before his withdrawal, and there were fears that he had suffered another injury problem, having struggled with fitness issues this season.
However, according to the Manchester Evening News, the defender was fatigued rather than injured when he was withdrawn in the latter stages of the contest.
Varane had been struggling with illness before the clash with Argentina, which ended 3-3 after extra-time before the South American nation won on penalties.
© Reuters
The Frenchman will definitely be missing for Man United's EFL Cup clash with Burnley on December 21, while he is also likely to be absent against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on December 27.
However, Varane, in addition to Argentina's Lisandro Martinez, could make their return for the Red Devils in the clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 31.
Varane has been an important player for the Red Devils this season, making 11 appearances in all competitions, but he has struggled with fitness problems this term.
The former Real Madrid defender missed a spell earlier this season with an ankle problem, while he has not represented Man United since the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on October 22, having suffered a leg injury in the clash at Stamford Bridge.
© Reuters
There were fears that the injury Varane picked up against Chelsea would force him out of the World Cup, but he was able to prove his fitness ahead of the tournament.
Victor Lindelof was not involved in the World Cup due to Sweden's failure to qualify, but Harry Maguire was in action for England in Qatar, with the Three Lions reaching the quarter-finals.
Maguire could be pressed into action against Burnley on Wednesday, while Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia could also be involved despite featuring at the World Cup.
Both Varane and Martinez are set to be given the next week off before reporting back to the club's Carrington training complex on December 26.
Matt Law
