Aheed Abrar
Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane to be fit for France World Cup opener vs Australia
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane will be back fit for France against Australia in their World Cup opener. Les Bleus will take on the Socceroos on Tuesday (22 November) at Al-Janoub Stadium.
Didier Deschamps’s team will go up against Denmark and Tunisia as well in Group D in Qatar. They are considered the favourites by many fans to proceed to the knockout rounds.
However, France have suffered a few injury setbacks before the commencement of the mid-season tournament in the Middle East. Real Madrid star Karim Benzema and RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku have been ruled out of the World Cup.
Les Blues will also be without Paul Pogba, who left the Red Devils in the recent transfer window to join Juventus. Other important players missing include Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante and Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe.
Thus, fitness issues have put a spanner in the 2018 World Cup winner’s chances of retaining their status in Qatar. Most of the aforementioned players were critical in Deshamps’ team being crowned champions in Russia.
However, they have been given a boost ahead of their opener against Australia. Speaking to the media via Manchester Evening News, France’s head coach revealed Varane would be available for the fixture against Graham Arnold’s team.
“Raphael Varane was working hard in training. He will be available for our first game against Australia.”
The former Real Madrid centre-back made his way to the Old Trafford side in the summer of 2021. Unfortunately, fitness issues have marred his time in Manchester up until now.
Varane seemed to be back to his best, partnering with Lisandro Martinez in the backline. However, has missed the last few matches for United after picking up an injury against Chelsea in the Premier League.
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While most United fans will be rooting for the French defender at the World Cup, they will also hope he returns to Manchester without any niggles.
