Manchester United's Raphael Varane has confirmed he's fit after an injury scare playing for France.
Varane started in France's friendly match against the Ivory Coast on Friday night but he played just under 60 minutes before being substituted to the bench. France boss Didier Deschamps revealed Varane had a 'small problem in his foot' after that game.
The centre-back jogged off the pitch to be replaced by William Saliba and it was hoped that the extent of the foot problem wasn't serious, as Deschamps suggested. Varane, speaking at a press conference ahead of France's match against South Africa on Wednesday night, has now confirmed that to be the case, explaining to reporters that he's fully fit after the injury scare.
ALSO READ: Pep Guardiola has told Manchester United how to handle gutting reality about David de Gea.
“I’m at 100% for tomorrow. It was a hit, but it was just painful," Varane said, per RMC Sport.
United's £34m signing of Varane was regarded as shrewd business but the defender has struggled with injury this season.
Varane sustained a groin injury in October playing for France and that problem ruled him out for three games.
The centre-back made his return against Tottenham but suffered a hamstring injury just one week later away at Atalanta. That problem was more severe and Varane was sidelined for well over a month, only returning to play Newcastle just after Christmas.
That means Varane has been unavailable for a total of 14 United matches this season through different problems.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.