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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Daniel Murphy

Manchester United star Raphael Varane named in France World Cup squad but Anthony Martial misses out

Raphael Varane has been named in the France squad for the World Cup but Anthony Martial has missed out.

The 2022 World Cup is now only just over a week away, with the competition getting underway on Sunday, November 20 as hosts Qatar take on Ecuador. Nations have begun naming their squads for the tournament with Manchester United stars learning whether or not they will be representing their nations.

Reigning champions France have become the latest side to announce their 25-man squad and Varane has made the cut. That's despite the centre-back being out of action for the last few weeks due to injury.

Also read: Omishen of interest to United as they draft up transfer lists

Varane suffered a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on October 22 and was clearly emotional as he left the pitch, with his World Cup hopes placed in severe jeopardy. However, the injury wasn't as bad as feared and he has made the squad even though he hasn't played for United in their last four matches.

The 29-year-old remains unavailable for United's Carabao Cup clash with Aston Villa on Thursday and it appears unlikely he will feature in their final match before domestic football pauses against Fulham on Sunday.

Varane's compatriot Martial has not been so lucky and has not been named in the squad. Despite looking sharp with three goals and two assists in five games this season, the striker has spent the vast majority of the campaign sidelined with three different injuries. He returned to action once again off the bench in the defeat to Villa on Sunday but that hasn't been enough to earn him a place.

Former United midfielder Paul Pogba will miss the tournament with a knee injury.

France World Cup squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Lloris, Areola, Mandanda.

Defenders: Upamecano, Varane, Kimpembe, Konate, Saliba, Pavard, Lucas Hernandez, Kounde, Theo Hernandez.

Midfielders: Fofana, Guendouzi, Rabiot, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Veretout.

Forwards: Benzema, Coman, Dembele, Giroud, Greizmann, Mbappe, Nkunku.

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