Raphael Varane has been included in France’s 26-man World Cup squad, having proven his fitness to the medical team ahead of the tournament in Qatar.
The Manchester United defender has won his race to be fit for France’s World Cup squad, however, he is not expected to play for his club this week before jetting off to Qatar. United have two matches — against Aston Villa and Fulham — before the squad breaks away for a month.
Varane was left in tears after being forced off in United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last month. He immediately feared his World Cup dreams would be over.
However, scan results showed he would likely return to action during the group stages of the tournament, so Didier Deschamps has decided to take him to Qatar.
𝙇𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚 des 2️⃣5️⃣ Bleus retenus pour
𝙡𝙖 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙥𝙚 𝙙𝙪 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙚 👊#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/RpQ0ddN3he— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) November 9, 2022
There is no place for Anthony Martial since he has missed a lot of football since the beginning of the season due to injuries.
France squad for the World Cup
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda
Defenders: Lucas Hernandez, Théo Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Kounde, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Raphaël Varane
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana, Mattéo Guendouzi, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jordan Veretout
Attackers: Karim Benzema, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembélé, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Christopher Nkunku
To have Varane fit for the World Cup is a significant boost for France if they really want to defend the crown this winter. He has struck a formidable partnership with Lisandro Martinez this season and we’ll need them both fit for the new year.
With Varane absent last weekend, United shipped three goals against Aston Villa. It goes without saying that he is a massive loss when out injured.
