Manchester United don’t expect Raphael Varane to be sidelined for long after he was injured in United’s derby day thrashing.
The defender sustained the injury in the first part of the tackle, causing United to concede a corner goal while on the touchline waiting to enter.
Varane was substituted minutes later and was replaced by Victor Lindelof.
According to the Manchester Evening News, “sources have described Varane’s injury as ‘not bad’ but the club are cautious after the Frenchman’s injury-plagued first season.”
“Varane drove to United’s Carrington training complex on Monday.”
“Coach Erik ten Hag will clarify on Wednesday if he is available to travel to Cyprus for the Europa League group stage match against Omonia Nicosia on Thursday.”
Samuel Luckhurst in his report does not indicate how long the Frenchman is expected to be out with the ankle injury.
Ten Hag explained his decision to take the 29-year-old off by saying he would not have been able to continue and did not want to risk him with his team trailing four goals before half-time.
If Varane misses the next two matches, Lindelof and club captain Harry Maguire will compete to partner Lisandro Martinez in central defence.
Maguire, who lost his place in the squad, missed the derby with a thigh injury sustained on international duty with England.
The pair are the only other senior backs at the club along with Axel Tuanzebe. Phil Jones was not registered.
Ten Hag described Tuanzebe’s lack of action and absence from the senior team as ‘long-term’, which could be interpreted to mean that the academy graduate is not in the Dutch coach’s plans.
There is no respite in a month of October full of games for the Red Devils ahead of the World Cup. Fans are hoping that Varane will be able to return quickly and not be confined to the treatment table for long.
