Manchester United are sweating on the fitness of Raphael Varane after the defender limped out of last weekend’s defeat to Manchester City.
Varane blocked a shot from Phil Foden but the Frenchman twisted his ankle and was almost immediately pulled out of the game by Erik ten Hag.
The 29-year-old missed Thursday’s Europa League fixture against Omonia due to his injury and speaking after the game, Ten Hag provided an update on Varane’s fitness.
“It’s difficult to say,” Ten Hag is quoted as saying by the official Manchester United website when asked about the state of the injured players.
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“Raphael Varane makes progress, and I hope he’s available, but I think it will be close. From the other players, Harry Maguire [is] not [available] and then it’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Donny van de Beek, both not [fit].”
Should Varane be unavailable for the game, it’s likely that Victor Lindelof will retain his place in the side after playing in Cyprus on Thursday. It does, however, sound like Varane’s injury is not as bad as initially feared and that’s good news for United.
SN’s verdict…
Varane has formed a brilliant partnership with Lisandro Martinez at the back for United and it would be a real shame if that was torn up due to an injury to either player.
It’s particularly good to see Varane thriving after his disappointing first season. It doesn’t take a genius to see exactly why United insisted on bringing him to Old Trafford.
If it’s a close call, it may be wise to leave him out against Everton. Rushing back a player is never a good idea and with Varane’s injury record already questionable, it may be one risk too many.
