EPL: Manchester United confirm Raphael Varane injury blow

Manchester United have confirmed that French footballer Raphael Varane has been ruled out for few weeks following an injury he sustained.

Announcing that Varane has been ruled out over injury, Manchester United said in a statement;

“Raphael Varane will be missing from the team when Manchester United face Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday due to injury.

“The France international came off at half-time in our 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday due to the complaint, which is expected to keep him out for a few weeks.”

The 30-year-old has dealt with a number of injuries since moving to Old Trafford in 2021 and, having retired from the France set-up in February, will have the international break to work towards his return.

The recent development means Erik ten Hag’s side will head to north London on Sunday, August 3, for their final match before the international break without several key players.

Although Victor Lindelof will likely deputise for Varane against Arsenal, Maguire is the sole senior centre-back United have in reserve.

Luke Shaw and Mason Mount picked up issues in the first week of the season, while summer signing Rasmus Hojlund has yet to make his debut due to a back complaint.

Tyrell Malacia, Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo and Tom Heaton have missed the start of the season and now experienced Varane faces a spell on the sidelines.

Talks are underway over a loan deal that could take Marc Cucurella to Manchester scarcely a year after his disastrous £62 million move from Brighton to Chelsea. However, the Blues want a sizeable loan fee if they are to strengthen a potential rival in a left back spot where numbers are severely depleted. United have also been linked with Nicolas Tagliafico, the Lyon defender who played for Ten Hag at Ajax, while Tottenham would welcome interest in Sergio Reguilon.