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Raphael Varane’s chances of appearing in this year’s World Cup finals were dimmed on Wednesday when Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag confirmed he will not play before the tournament begins on November 20.
During United’s 1-1 tie with Chelsea on Saturday, the 29-year-old former Real Madrid star left the field in tears due to a leg injury.
“Varane isn’t in the squad,” said Ten Hag at a press conference on the eve of United’s Europa League match with Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol.
“He will be out until the World Cup. We have to see how he develops, how his rehab will develop.”
Varane, who has had multiple long-term injury absences over his career, adds to France coach Didier Deschamps’ concerns as he prepares to name his squad for the World Cup finals in Qatar on November 9.
N’Golo Kante, Chelsea’s defensive midfielder who was instrumental in France’s success four years ago, will almost certainly miss the tournament due to a hamstring injury.
Paul Pogba is a doubt due to knee surgery, and AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, the backup to first-choice Hugo Lloris, could be ruled out due to a calf injury.
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