Manchester United have received a boost ahead of the resumption of their domestic campaign as Raphael Varane’s injury update brings positive news after the defender was sent off during France’s penalty shootout loss to Argentina at the World Cup of FIFA.
The former Real Madrid midfielder played in six of France’s seven matches in the tournament despite barely making the trip to Qatar, following his injury in the Red Devils’ clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on October 22.
An ankle injury in that game saw Varane miss all of United’s subsequent games in the run-up to the World Cup.
He also suffered from illness while in Qatar, with a virus making its way into the French camp, and he told The Athletic after the match that he was “not well”.
Varane’s fortunes appeared to show no signs of improving on the injury front when he went down late after extra time in the World Cup final, shortly before Kylian Mbappe completed his hat-trick to take the game to penalties. in 3-3.
But according to the Manchester Evening News, the injury is not as serious as initially feared, and Varane could be back in action before long.
Varane, along with clubmate Lisandro MartÃnez, was already scheduled for a week off after international duty, effectively ruling him out if United’s Carabao Cup game against Burnley.
It would have been highly unlikely that either player would have been ready for first-team action for the home game against Nottingham Forest on 27 December.
However, the chances are good that Varane will return in time for United’s trip to Molineux, where they will face bottom line Wolverhampton Wanderers on New Year’s Eve.
That will come as a huge relief to the fans, who will no doubt be worried about Varane’s strong turnout in the tournament, particularly given concerns about his fitness.
He has forged a fantastic partnership with summer signing and World Cup winner Martinez who has been the foundation of Erik ten Hag’s system.
The hope now will be that once Varane returns to fitness, he will sustain it throughout what promises to be a grueling schedule.
United Matchday Magazine – Stay on top of everything in red! Still craving more United content? Get everything you need right here. For just £1.25 per issue / £3.75 per month, you’ll receive unique United information, delivered directly to your inbox, before every game and throughout the month. Get exclusive preparation for every game, plus team news, tactics and history. .Not only that: United Matchday is packed with features, news, transfer news, riddles, nostalgia and humor. Impress your friends and stay on top of everything in red!
