Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Raphael Varane will not be ready to play for the Red Devils until after the 2022 World Cup.
The centre-back was in tears when he sustained an injury against Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.
At first, it seemed that the defender had sustained ankle or knee injuries, but a hamstring issue forced the France international off the field at Stamford Bridge.
According to a recent report, Varane will be sidelined for four weeks, leaving him out of Man United’s games leading up to the World Cup.
Ten Hag has stated that he will miss the forthcoming games against Sheriff Tiraspol, West Ham United, Real Sociedad, Aston Villa (twice), and Fulham.
However, the Dutchman maintains that the 29-year-old has a chance to represent his country at the World Cup in Qatar, where the Blues kick off their campaign against Australia on November 22.
“Rapha Varane isn’t in the squad, so he will be out, certainly until the World Cup, so we will not play in this block for Man United,” Ten Hag told reporters ahead of Thursday’s clash with Sheriff, as quoted by MEN.
“I think so (he will be fit for the World Cup), but the prognosis, we have to wait and see how it develops, how his rehab develops.”
Related: Cristiano Ronaldo Is Back To The Manchester United Squad, Ten Hag Confirms
France will face Australia, Denmark, and Tunisia in the World Cup group stage, and Varane is likely to start for Didier Deschamps’ side if he is available.
Varane has been a key player for Manchester United this season, appearing in 11 games across all competitions, including 10 in the Premier League.
COMMENTS