Manchester United star Raphael Varane’s call-up to the France squad for the World Cup carries ‘a degree of risk’ after nursing a hamstring problem at Old Trafford, according to injury news journalist Ben Dinnery.
Les Bleus are due to get their World Cup campaign underway by facing Australia in a Group D clash at the Al Janoub Stadium on November 22.
What’s the latest news involving Varane?
Varane has been named in France’s squad for the tournament in Qatar despite being out of action for a number of weeks.
The central defender left the pitch in tears after picking up an injury during Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea last month.
Varane’s hamstring problem resulted in his hopes of heading to the World Cup hanging in the balance, with France head coach Didier Deschamps insisting he would opt against selecting any players who would not be fit for the group stage opener against Australia.
But the 29-year-old, who has been on Manchester United’s books since completing a £41million switch from La Liga giants Real Madrid last year, appears to be on course to feature next week.
That is because Deschamps has revealed Varane ‘is supposed to be available for the first game’ and ‘in good spirits’, although the French medical staff will not ‘cut corners’ when it comes to his recovery.
Read more: World Cup 2022: Dates, Schedule, Location, Groups, Tickets, Odds And More
What has Ben Dinnery said about Varane?
Dinnery believes France have taken a risk by naming Varane in their World Cup squad and there is a possibility that his hamstring problem could flare up if he is rushed into Les Bleus’ starting line-up against Australia.
The injury news journalist feels the first 28 days of the former Lens man’s recovery are crucial if he wants to play a key role.
Dinnery told GIVEMESPORT: “Hamstring injuries always carry a degree of risk. That’s just the nature of the problem and the dynamic nature of the sport.
“They do have high reentry and high recurrence rates, particularly in those first 28 days after the injury. There is an inherent risk associated with that.”
Will Manchester United be fearful over Varane’s fitness?
Erik ten Hag, who took over as Manchester United’s boss following the conclusion of last season, will be watching on with concern as the last thing he will want is Varane to return to Old Trafford with an injury.
The Red Devils have gone into the break from domestic action sitting fifth in the Premier League and the Dutchman will want the centre-half to be available for the remainder of the campaign as they target Champions League qualification.
But, if Varane is deemed fit, it is highly likely that he will be selected by Deschamps from the off as he played a key role in France winning the World Cup in 2018.
The 87-cap star played every minute of the tournament in Russia and also grabbed a goal during the quarter-final victory over Uruguay, so Manchester United will be keeping their fingers crossed that no further injury worries emerge.
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