Aheed Abrar
France manager Didier Deschamps optimistic about injury of Manchester United star Raphael Varane
Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane, who is currently out with an injury, is in contention to feature for France against Australia in the World Cup. The 29-year-old has been included in Didier Deschamps’ squad for the prestigious tournament.
Les Bleus take on the Socceroos in their opening game of Group D in Qatar. Deschamps’ team will also go up against Denmark and Tunisia to qualify for the knockout rounds.
Speaking on his decision to include Varane in the 25-man squad via Manchester Evening News, the French manager revealed he was optimistic about the Old Trafford side’s centre-back playing against the team from the land Down Under.
“For Varane, it’s a little longer injury, but he will be available for the first match against Australia if all is fine.”
The former Real Madrid defender picked up an injury during the Red Devils’ trip to Stamford Bridge. He limped off at the hour mark against Graham Potter’s team. We eventually drew 1-1 with Chelsea.
However, United have lost an essential player in Varane and the results in the last few weeks have reflected his importance to the side. The 29-year-old had been in fine form before being sidelined.
He had signed for the Red Devils in the summer of 2021. However, fitness issues in the French defender’s debut campaign in Manchester hampered his game time.
Fortunately, under Erik ten Hag, Varane has gotten back to his best alongside Lisandro Martinez in the backline. The duo have been solid on most occasions they have started together.
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The defender had been a key member of Deschamps’ 2018 World Cup-winning team. He has been a regular part of Les Bleus’ starting lineup since the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
France and Varane will evidently hope to defend their title as world champions in Qatar and try to lift the golden trophy once again. But it remains to be seen whether the centre-back is fit enough to play every game in the Middle East.
