Raphael Varane is making steady progress and could be available to start France’s opening World Cup match against Australia on November 22.
The centre-half was named in the national team squad which quelled fears of a possible exclusion amid the knee injury picked up in last month’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea. Varane has not featured for United since sustaining the issue, which left him in tears amid concerns about his availability for the world champions.
The 29-year-old is facing a race against time to be fit for France’s first group match but has already started working with the ball again. Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps said Varane was in good spirits and confirmed the aim is for him to be ready by next week.
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“He’s in his protocol. He’s increased his athletic work. He’s touched the ball again,” explained the France head coach, who led his country to glory at Russia 2018, during which Varane played a significant role.
“He’ll do so again. He still has some steps to take before Thursday. He’s good. He’s in a good headspace and has good feelings. He is supposed to be available for the first game.”
In his absence for United, Victor Lindelof was mostly selected by Erik ten Hag to play alongside Lisandro Martinez, who is also off to Qatar with Argentina.
I means club captain Harry Maguire has played just one league game in the last two months after picking up a hamstring injury, although featured against FC Sheriff, Real Sociedad and League Cup opponents Aston Villa following his return.
He is another United player jetting off to Qatar and could still play a significant role for England. Speaking about his selection, ahead of the 4-2 win over Villains on Thursday, he said: “It's a very proud day for myself and my family.
“To represent your country at a World Cup is the pinnacle of everybody's career so it's a very proud moment for myself.” A total of 16 United first-team players will feature at the finals, including debut-less Facundo Pellistri (for Uruguay) and Birmingham-loaned Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia).
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