Manchester United are reportedly concerned that Raphael Varane’s season is over after the Frenchman underwent tests on his ankle. The former Real Madrid centre-back, who has been integral for Erik ten Hag’s side this season, was forced off with the problem in the 2-2 Europa League draw with Sevilla at Old Trafford.
Defensive partner Lisandro Martinez was also substituted with a foot injury during the same match and will now miss the remainder of the campaign with a broken metatarsal.
The Mirror are now reporting that United are fearful Varane will suffer the same fate following initial tests that suggest he could be facing up to six weeks on the sidelines.
United’s campaign does not officially end until May 28 when they host Fulham on the final day in the Premier League but should the initial fears prove to be true, it appears the World Cup winner has kicked his last ball of the season.
That will be of huge concern to Ten Hag, who knows better than anyone that United’s defence is just not the same without Varane – or Martinez.
Their backline looked alarmingly shaky in midweek as they shipped three goals in Spain against Sevilla in a one-sided 3-0 defeat.
Captain Harry Maguire was at the heart of the chaos as both he and David de Gea were at fault for the opening goal.
Varane had already been experiencing pain in his ankle but the issue became all too consuming in the first leg against Sevilla before he was inevitably forced off.
Now the swelling has finally started to subside but barring a dramatic turnaround, it appears he is set to face a significant spell on the sidelines.
United still have eight games left to play in the Premier League and while they are still sitting comfortably, top-four is far from secure.
They remain six points clear of Tottenham, who have played a game more, in fifth but given they still have to travel to north London – Champions League football for next season is far from a foregone conclusion.
Speaking after the 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest last weekend, United full-back Diogo Dalot attempted to ease fears about the absences of Varane and Martinez, claiming the Red Devils have enough quality within their squad to see the job through.
“I think we were calm,” Dalot said in response to losing both players to injury.
“We knew through the season that we are not only just 11 players.
“We have shown this in the past this season so today was just one more game.
“Players get injured, this was football. Today I think we showed that we are a proper squad. We are really happy with the result.”
United will have to be at their best on Sunday when they face Brighton at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final.
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