Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has posted a positive update on his fitness amid confidence he will be available for selection for France’s World Cup squad next month.
The experienced central defender limped off injured in United’s draw at Chelsea earlier this month as he was left in tears. Varane had feared that he may miss out on this winter’s World Cup finals in Qatar for the defending champions – for whom he starred in their success four years ago.
However, subsequent reports alleviated such concerns as the injury was not as bad as the former Real Madrid defender had first feared. The 29-year-old was set to miss ‘three to four weeks’ after suffering a suspected lesion on his femoral biceps in the thigh muscle – meaning he should be available for the finals.
Varane was replaced by Victor Lindelof in the heart of United’s defence at Stamford Bridge and for the subsequent clash against FC Sheriff. However, the Swede missed Sunday’s clash against West Ham with illness – meaning club captain Harry Maguire stepped into partner Lisandro Martinez in the heart of United’s defence.
Varane wrote on his Instagram account ahead of Sunday’s match, alongside a photo of his recovery session: “Thank you everyone for the kind messages this week. I have been working! Feeling good. Good luck today boys @manchesterunited!”
Former United defender Jaap Stam had questioned Varane’s emotional reaction to the injury he suffered in West London, suggesting that he did not believe the severity of the injury merited such a reaction from the Frenchman.
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Stam was damning of Varane’s injury reaction, by claiming: “there are things worse than this”. The former United defender added: He was very emotional. He fell down, was just laying on the pitch and after he stood up he was very emotional.
“When I saw it, it looked like he had a problem with his hamstring. But of course, we don’t know yet. I don’t know what to say about this, he probably thinks he is a doubt for the World Cup or whatever, but I can’t understand being so emotional on the pitch. You try to imagine yourself why a player is so emotional and why he is acting like that and I…I think there are other things that are worse than this.”
France kick-off the defence of their World Cup crown with a clash against Australia on 22 November before subsequent group clashes against Denmark and Tunisia. Varane is unlikely to play for United again until domestic football’s resumption after the tournament.
