Manchester United confirm Raphael Varane injury blow

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 30 August 2023

Manchester United reveal that central defender Raphael Varane will be "out for a few weeks" due to the injury that he suffered against Nottingham Forest.

Manchester United have revealed that Raphael Varane will be "out for a few weeks" with the injury that he picked up against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

The centre-back was substituted at the interval of what proved to be a 3-2 win for the Red Devils, with Victor Lindelof entering the field as his replacement.

After the match, Man United head coach Erik ten Hag said that Varane "had complaints", with the Dutchman not prepared to take any risks when it came to the 30-year-old's fitness.

Initially, it looked to be a minor problem, but a recent report claimed that the defender could be missing for up to six weeks following medical examinations earlier this week.

Man United have now confirmed that Varane will be out of Sunday's trip to Arsenal in the Premier League, in addition to a number of upcoming fixtures.

Raphael Varane celebrates scoring for Manchester United on August 14, 2023 © Reuters

"Raphael Varane will be missing from the team when Manchester United face Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday due to injury," read a statement on the club's official website.

"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."

Ten Hag is likely to address the problem when he holds his press conference on Friday to preview Sunday's trip to rivals Arsenal in the Premier League.

Lindelof is now expected to get the nod alongside Lisandro Martinez in the middle of the defence at the Emirates Stadium, with Harry Maguire set to continue on the bench.

Manchester United's Harry Maguire after the match on August 14, 2023 © Reuters

Maguire is yet to play a minute of football for the Red Devils this season, but he is now set to stay at Old Trafford due to news of Varane's injury blow.

The 20-time English champions are also said to be working on a deal to bring in Jonny Evans, with the Northern Ireland international impressing during the club's pre-season.

Luke Shaw and Mason Mount have also recently picked up injuries, while Kobbie Mainoo, Tyrell Malacia, Amad Diallo and Tom Heaton are currently on the sidelines early in the campaign.

However, there could be a huge injury boost for Sunday's clash in North London, as new signing Rasmus Hojlund is widely expected to be a part of the squad that heads to the Emirates Stadium.