Man Utd handed Raphael Varane injury boost

Raphael Varane is not expected to miss much time on the sidelines despite being substituted with an apparent injury deep into France’s World Cup final loss to Argentina on Sunday.

The defender was withdrawn after limping out of play during the latter stages of extra-time, and was notably consoled by Manchester United teammate Lisandro Martinez on the touchline.

Despite fears that Varane could be set for another spell on the treatment table, the Manchester Evening News report that he was merely suffering from fatigue and this should not keep him from returning to the United setup at a later date.

Varane and Martinez are set to return to Carrington at the start of next week having reached the final, and though they are likely to miss United’s clash with Nottingham Forest on December 27, they could return against Wolves on New Year’s Eve.

After picking up an ankle injury prior to the tournament, Varane started in six of France’s seven World Cup games.

He was a minor doubt to start the final after picking up an illness last week but made a recovery in time to partner Dayot Upamecano in defence.

During the final, Varane notably played Lautaro Martinez onside in the lead up to Argentina’s third goal. He was replaced by Ibrahima Konate prior to Kylian Mbappe’s equaliser from the penalty spot.