Raphael Varane 'could be out for four weeks with hamstring issue'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 23 October 2022

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane's hamstring injury that he suffered against Chelsea is reportedly not as serious as first feared, so he could represent France at the World Cup.

Raphael Varane could reportedly still be named in the France squad for the 2022 World Cup despite suffering an injury during Manchester United's Premier League clash with Chelsea on Saturday night.

The centre-back was in tears as he left the field at Stamford Bridge, with replays showing that he could have damaged either his ankle or knee in the awkward fall.

However, it is believed that the issue relates to Varane's hamstring, and his emotional reaction was seemingly due to the fact that it could have ruled him out of the upcoming World Cup.

However, according to journalist Damien Dubras, the injury is less serious than initially feared.

Dubras claims that Varane has a 'lesion of the femoral biceps', and he could potentially still represent France at the tournament, which gets underway next month.

Manchester United's Raphael Varane during the match on October 2, 2022 © Reuters

The journalist claims that the former Real Madrid defender would likely miss France's opener against Australia on November 22 but could be back for the next two group games against Denmark and Tunisia.

As one of the favourites for the trophy, Didier Deschamps's side will also hope to be involved deep into the knockout round of the competition.

Varane has been in impressive form for Man United this season, making 11 appearances in all competitions, but he also picked up an ankle injury against Manchester City earlier this month.

The 29-year-old is also a vital player for his country, representing them on 87 appearances, and he will be a starter for the world champions if he can prove his fitness.

Raphael Varane in action for France in March 2021 © Reuters

After the 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Man United boss Erik ten Hag admitted that it was too early to make an official diagnosis on the defender's injury.

"There's nothing in this moment, he came off but with an injury like this you always have to wait a minimum of 24 hours and the medics can do their job," Ten Hag told reporters.

"I can understand, and I think we all probably can understand him being emotional. The medics have to do a job, make their assessment, set the right diagnosis and from there on we can come to a conclusion."

Should Varane be out for around four weeks, he would miss Man United's six matches ahead of the World Cup, which will see them take on Sheriff Tiraspol, West Ham United, Real Sociedad, Aston Villa twice and Fulham.

Victor Lindelof was Varane's replacement off the bench at Chelsea, but Harry Maguire is now in the latter stages of his recovery from a hamstring issue of his own, with the England centre-back potentially in line to return against Sheriff in the Europa League on Thursday.