Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may have to contend without his two best centre-backs this weekend.
Manchester United return this weekend, after a fortnight off due to international football. Although this break has given Marcus Rashford more time to heal, we’ve been given a fresh problem on the other side of the ball…
Raphael Varane picked up an injury this weekend while playing for France, with the area of trouble believed to be his groin.
Now, according to The Times, United’s double defensive injury concern has been all but confirmed. The Reds could be without a key duo, with Harry Maguire still sidelined.
Our club captain missed the last couple of games with an issue and although it’s believed he’s returned to light training, he’s looking like an absence here.
As for Varane, if it’s a grade one adductor tear, the Frenchman could be missing for around a fortnight.
Obviously, timing-wise, it couldn’t have been worse. United are staring down the barrel of a brutal run of games and doing it without their two most senior defenders makes things much tougher.
So who can replace the pair?
Well, the obvious choice is Victor Lindelof. The Ice Man has actually started this season in good form when called upon and I reckon he’ll be desperate to get back out there.
The other likely candidate is Eric Bailly. He’s been training for a fair while now, without being given his chance in a game. This will be a great opportunity for the Ivory Coast star to show us all what he can do.
In an ideal world, Maguire and Varane won’t be out for too long. We’re going to need them for some massive games against Manchester City, Liverpool and an Atalanta double-header in Europe.
Who should play in place of Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
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