Raphael Varane out for ‘next few weeks’ with muscle injury

Manchester United’s absentee-hit defence will be without Raphael Varane for the next few weeks due to his latest muscle injury.

It has been a disappointing season for the Reds and the biggest factor behind that, as far as I can see, has been injuries. They continue to deplete Erik ten Hag’s team, with the defence hit particularly hard.

United have been without their primary and backup left-back for much of the season. On Thursday, news emerged that Tyrell Malacia won’t be returning before the end of the campaign which is another blow for Ten Hag.

Our injury problems at centre-back are stacking up, too.

Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof were already ruled out for Sunday’s draw against Liverpool, but United were given the additional setback of being without Varane and Jonny Evans following knocks they sustained on Thursday night at Chelsea.

However, the pair will be absent again at Bournemouth on Saturday, with Varane set to miss several games as a result.

United said in a statement via ManUtd.com: “Raphael Varane will be out for the next few weeks with a muscle injury sustained during our game against Chelsea last week.

“The French World Cup winner is aiming to be back in action before the end of the season in May.

“Fellow centre-back Jonny Evans will also miss Saturday’s game against Bournemouth with a shorter-term muscle issue.”

Varane is unlikely to get a new contract at the end of the season, so he may be on the way out with his current deal set to expire. The former France international has made 30 appearances for United this season but we need to get in younger defenders who are ready to play at the very top.

Evans, who made a surprise return to United in the summer, has made 29 appearances. His contract also runs out in the summer.

The injuries mean we are likely to see Harry Maguire and Willy Kambwala partner one another against Bournemouth. It’s a great opportunity for Kambwala to make consecutive starts for the first time following an impressive display against Liverpool.

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