Raphael Varane’s injury is not as serious as initially thought, according to sources who spoke to ESPN. The defender is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks, but he won’t return to action for Manchester United before the World Cup.
Varane, 29, missed United’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Chelsea on Saturday due to an injury. He underwent an MRI on Sunday. The France star, though, views the diagnosis as a plus for his hopes of helping Les Bleus defend the World Cup in Qatar next month.
Varane’s injury forces France coach Didier Deschamps to make a choice because he won’t be able to play in their World Cup opener against Australia on November 22.
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On November 9, France will announce their World Cup roster, however nations may substitute injured players up until the day of their opening game.
Varane declined the chance to leave the field at Stamford Bridge on a stretcher, choosing instead to depart on foot despite being visibly upset by the knee injury.
Erik ten Hag, the manager of United, will take a hit from the news as he attempts to push for a top-four finish in the Premier League before a month-long break for the World Cup.
Varane was substituted by Victor Lindelof during the game, but it also provides Harry Maguire, an unpopular England defender, with a chance to get some much-needed playing time and demonstrate his health before Gareth Southgate names his final squad on November 10.
After suffering a thigh injury while representing England against Germany, Maguire returned to training with United last week. He hopes to be available for Thursday’s Europa League match against Sheriff.