Raphael Varane’s recent return from injury was considered as a massive boost for Manchester United, after the Frenchman had spent some time on the sidelines. The Red Devils has struggled at the back in his absence. He returned to the pitch against Tottenham Hotspur though and put in a solid performance, helping the club keep just their second clean sheet of the season.
Thus, naturally, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must have been very worried when Varane was forced off the pitch against Atalanta in their recent Champions League game.
Now, Manchester United have learned the extent of Varane’s injury and it is not good news for the Red Devils as they head into one of the toughest phases of their season.
As reported by Manchester United’s official website, Varane sustained a hamstring injury, which is expected to keep him out for around a month.
Varane set to miss around a month of action in major Manchester United blow
It goes without saying that this is a major blow for Manchester United and their season. They had just put in a couple of promising performances and had even changed systems with three at the back.
With Varane picking up an injury that is expected to keep him out for a significant length of time though, one has to question whether Manchester United have the options and depth at the back to even go ahead with that system anymore. It must be pointed out that Victor Lindelof had picked up a knock recently as well and missed the Atalanta game as a result of it.
The Varane injury could not have come at a worse time for Manchester United, who are set to face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City next.
Interestingly, the gap between the two sides is just three points and as a result, this is a chance for Solskjaer’s side to get back in the title race.