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Raphael Varane is an injury concern for Manchester United’s Anfield clash with Liverpool today.
The Frenchman, according to The Daily Mail, has complained of leg pain recently and will face an assessment this morning.
It would be a huge blow for United if Varane missed the game, as the Red Devils are often reliant on the World Cup winner’s strong partnership with Lisandro Martinez this term.
If ruled out, Erik ten Hag can call up Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof against Liverpool.
Neither player impressed in United’s FA Cup tie with West Ham United on Thursday, and David de Gea had to endure a busy first half when the two played together.
Liverpool have struggled this season, but they still pose a dangerous attacking threat, and Man United would certainly prefer to go into this game as close to full strength as possible.
The hosts have plenty of pace to take advantage of Maguire’s poor spin speed and lack of confidence, while Lindelof could struggle with the physicality of Darwin Nunez or Cody Gakpo.
It will be up to Ten Hag to decide which horse to back in case Varane doesn’t recover, but he doesn’t seem to have a good chance.
In a game of this magnitude, a late injury is far from ideal and may require careful consideration by the coach.
Man United fans will be hoping that Varane is declared fit to play to avoid unwanted adjustments.
The plan was almost certain for the France star to play in this fixture, having been rested for midweek.
The manager did not mention an injury during his press conference, which means this news probably came as a surprise to Ten Hag as well.
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