France defender Raphael Varane will not feature for Manchester United until after the World Cup, manager Erik ten Hag said on Wednesday, adding that forward Cristiano Ronaldo will be involved in their Europa League clash with Sheriff Tiraspol.

Centre back Varane, 29, went over his ankle midway through the second half in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea and looked distraught as he made his way into the tunnel at Stamford Bridge.

Ten Hag confirmed that Varane, who won the World Cup in 2018, will miss United’s six remaining games before the mid-season break but did not rule him out of the November 20-December 18 tournament in Qatar. “Varane isn’t in the squad,” Ten Hag told reporters before Sheriff visit Old Trafford on Thursday.

“He will be out, certainly until the World Cup so he will not play in this block (of games) for Man United.” Ronaldo re-joined the squad on Tuesday, providing a welcome boost for United in attack with Anthony Martial still sidelined after missing their last four games due to a back problem.

“Cristiano will be in the squad tomorrow (Thursday),” Ten Hag said. “We said everything and we answered all the questions last week. So he was out for one game and now he is back in the squad as usual” United are second in Group E on nine points, three behind leaders Real Sociedad, while Sheriff are third on three points with two games remaining. A point against Sheriff will see United through to the knockout stage.