Manchester United played out a third straight draw at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, with Casemiro rescuing a point for United at the death despite the Reds dominating proceedings for large parts.
Another former Real Madrid player endured a difficult night, however. Raphael Varane, who has become increasingly crucial to United this season, was withdrawn from the game in the second half due to an injury.
The 29-year-old was inconsolable when he limped off the pitch and several of his United team-mates came over to comfort him as he looked to be in real pain.
Unfortunately, it looked like quite a serious injury for the colossal centre-back and United are now sweating on his fitness. More importantly, it’s now possible that Varane misses out on this winter’s World Cup.
Speaking after the game, Ten Hag provided an update on Varane’s fitness and admitted that although it’s too early to say right now, it would be disappointing if the injury kept him out of the World Cup.
“It is difficult to say how it is now because it is so soon after the game,” Ten Hag is quoted as saying by the official Manchester United website.
“We have to wait 24 hours and then we will know what it is. I can understand, we can all probably understand he would be emotional [if he is out of the World Cup], but I think he also has to wait.
“You don’t know [how bad it is]. Of course he is experienced, but [the] medical [staff] have to do their job, have to make the assessment and set the right diagnosis, and then from there on can come a conclusion.”
SN’s verdict…
Varane underwent a personally tailored training program during pre-season in a bid to rid the injury problems that plagued his first campaign and this season, he has largely been fit throughout.
He has also been near-perfect in all of his performances and the partnership he’s built with Lisandro Martinez is of the highest quality.
It would be disastrous for Varane if he misses the World Cup but unfortunately, his own reaction to the injury speaks volumes.
