Injury Update: Raphael Varane gets boost for World Cup, but will not play for Manchester United till after that
Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane has been given a boost for his World Cup hopes as it is expected he could be available for selection next month.
Varane hobbled off the pitch in the second half during his side’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea last Saturday. The Frenchman did not give much sign of optimism and there were fears he would miss the World Cup with France next month.
However, according to Julien Laurens of ESPN (h/t Mirror), the 29-year-old has suffered a suspected lesion on his femoral biceps in the thigh muscles. He is expected to be out for three to four weeks.
I’m told Raphaël Varane suffered a lesion on his femoral biceps which is less serious than thought originally. He should be out between 3 to 4 weeks & sees the MRI results as positive. He won’t play for United before the WC & then Deschamps will have to make a call on him @ESPNFC
— Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) October 23, 2022
While this will come as good news to the French fans, it won’t be the same for Erik ten Hag and the Red Devils. The centre-back will now likely play for the club again after the World Cup.
The former Real Madrid centre-back struggled for fitness in his first season at the club. However, things have been different this season under Ten Hag.
Varane has formed a formidable partnership with Lisandro Martinez at the back. The duo have been simply exceptional for their side and now that partnership could come to an end till December.
His absence will leave Ten Hag with a headache at the back. Victor Lindelöf, who replaced the 29-year-old against the Blues, is likely to start games with Martinez at the back. Club captain Harry Maguire is out injured but seems to be out of favour regardless of his fitness status.
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- PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo attracting interest from PSG amidst Manchester United links
United still have six fixtures to go in all competitions before the mid-season break next month. Fans will hope that their team can still be solid at the back without Varane or it could prove costly in the long run.
