Raphael Varane ‘is set to be fit for the World Cup’ in a huge boost for France boss Didier Deschamps
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Raphael Varane ‘IS ready for the World Cup’ in a huge boost for French boss Didier Deschamps… after the Man United star’s chances of making it to the tournament were plunged into doubt as he came out in tears against Chelsea
- The Manchester United defender was injured against Chelsea last month
- It was feared he would miss this winter’s World Cup due to injury
- Now he believes he will be fit for France’s campaign, which kicks off on March 22
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is set to be fit for the World Cup despite stumbling into tears against Chelsea last month.
The defender faced Chelsea in the second half at Stamford Bridge with a thigh injury and is undergoing rehabilitation at Clarefontaine – the French national football centre.
Concerns grew that Varane, who was key to France’s success in Russia in 2018, would not be fit in time for the World Cup due to the short lead time between the end of the season and the start of their campaign.
Raphael Varane will be fit for France’s World Cup defense starting November 22
However, L’Equipe has since reported that the defender’s rehabilitation is on track and that the national team is confident he will be ready for the tournament.
France’s campaign kicks off on November 22, when they face Australia.
Varane has returned to running in recent days as his preparations and recovery kick in, although he is not expected to play in any of United’s remaining two games before the break.
The defender was key to their success in 2018 and Didier Deschamps will rely on him to lead what could be an inexperienced backline
United host Aston Villa in the League Cup on Thursday before a visit to Fulham on Sunday, who will wrap up their competitive action until December 27 when they welcome Nottingham Forest.
Didier Deschamps will designate his final 26-man roster on Wednesday, with France making a bid to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to keep their crown.
A week ago, Varane posted a smiling photo of himself on his social media with the caption: ‘Thanks everyone for the kind messages this week. I have worked! Feel good. Good luck today guys.’
Varane went down in tears against Chelsea last month after a thigh injury
Deschamps will thus be relying on Varane to lead what could otherwise be a fairly inexperienced team, with players like N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba missing and worried about Antoine Griezmann’s form.
Get French Football News reported that Varane will start in a 3-4-1-2 formation alongside William Saliba and Benoit Badiashile, neither of whom have played in a major tournament for the national team.
Both Saliba and Badiashile made their international debuts this year.
