August 30, (THEWILL) – Manchester United have confirmed that centre-back, Raphael Varane, will not travel with the squad for their English Premier League match away to Arsenal on Sunday, due to injury.
The Frenchman was substituted at the start of the second period during United’s thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, after picking up a knock. While the exact nature of the injury is unknown, the club expect the 29-year-old to be sidelined for a “few weeks.”
Varane has struggled with fitness issues since joining United in 2021, missing chunks of last season with groin and hamstring problems. His latest setback leaves manager Erik ten Hag short on options in defence ahead of the clash with the Gunners at the Emirates.
With left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia also currently injured, Ten Hag may have to turn to Victor Lindelof to partner Lisandro Martinez at the heart of the back four against Arsenal’s potent attack. Ex-captain Harry Maguire is another alternative even after falling out of favour this term.
United will be hoping Varane makes a swift recovery to bolster their defence as they seek to be in the title-winning conversation this season. But for now, their depleted backline faces a difficult test away to Mikel Arteta’s charges looking to get maximum points after letting their lead slip up last time against 10-m in m inan Fulham.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
