Raphael Varane, 28, was out for a month and was dropped from the Manchester derby this weekend after suffering a hamstring injury.
The news will be a blow for Solskjaer
Raphael was pushed out in the first-half draw by Man Utd 2-2 against Atalanta in Bergamo on Tuesday, and estimates indicated he would not be up for a crystal clash this weekend against Man City. The news will be a blow to Solskjaer, who has just gotten back to tackle after recovering from a hip problem.
Club sources confirmed Wednesday night that, following an assessment with Club Raphael doctors, it is expected to leave for up to a month with a hamstring injury. That immediately excludes the Frenchman from this weekend’s Manchester derby and also means he is unlikely to be available for games against Watford, Villarreal and Chelsea after the international break.
It is hoped that Raphael will be back by early December, however any problems with his recovery could also make him question his Premier League home game against Arsenal and the Champions League group stage final game against the Young Boys.
What did Solskjær say about Raphael Varane?
After the game, Ole said that he was not an optimist, but that further medical evaluation should be awaited to offer clarity on this matter. Ole Gunnar Solskjær said Varane felt a hamstring. So, of course, you cannot take risks, unfortunately. Raphael Varane has had such a calming effect when he’s on the pitch. they lost it, but this is football.
A little about the topic
Raphael’s return from injury for a win against Tottenham allowed Ole to change his tactics and go with a 3-5-2 system to stop the Spurs and earn Man Utd just a second clean sheet in 22 games. Bailly stepped into the back three for the toss in Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Lindelof, who missed a ride with a knock he picked up in training on Monday. The Ivorian impressed with only his second start this season and could have started again on a similar system at the weekend if Ole were to stick to the back five again. Another option would be to move Luke Shaw to center and play Telles at left-back.