Manchester United boosted by return of Raphael Varane and Casemiro injury ‘not too bad’

Manchester United have been boosted by the return to fitness of Raphael Varane while Erik ten Hag says Casemiro’s injury is ‘not too bad’ despite the Brazilian missing Saturday’s clash with Sheffield United.

The Red Devils have been dealing with a host of injury issues across the squad this season, with the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo all long-term absentees.

They were dealt a further blow in the international break with Casemiro picking up an ankle injury while playing for Brazil, while deadline day recruit Sofyan Amrabat did not play in either of Morocco’s fixtures.

Varane back in training

But Ten Hag had a positive update on the state of his squad ahead of travelling to Bramall Lane, with Varane and Sergio Reguilon back, Amrabat available and Casemiro only a short-term issue.

‘Rapha Varane is back, so I think, especially in the backline, I’m very happy with Rapha back and Sergio back,’ Ten Hag told MUTV on Friday.

‘That’s very good news, of course. It’s disappointing that Casemiro picked up an injury but it’s not too bad. I’m sure and confident he will be back for the next games, so very short notice. The good thing is also that Sofyan Amrabat is available.’

Varane, who retired from international duty after last year’s World Cup, used the break to build up his fitness after missing United’s last outing against Brentford. He was pictured in training on Thursday as was young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has been out of action for the past three months but is ready to try and force his way into the first-team reckoning after impressing in pre-season.

Victor Lindelof ready to play

Ten Hag also confirmed that Victor Lindelof would be available for the clash with Sheffield United following the terror attack in Brussels in midweek, which claimed the lives of two Swedish supporters.

The match between Sweden and Belgium was abandoned as a result while the players were kept in the stadium for a number of hours as a security precaution, but Lindelof is keen to get playing again.

‘He dealt well with it and, of course, he is exhausted after this experience because they didn’t sleep overnight,’ said Ten Hag.

‘They then returned but, just yesterday, he was back in training and he dealt with the situation. Our thoughts are, once again, with Victor and the victims and relatives, but we are looking forward to the game and Victor has energy and is ready to play.’

Conclusion

Manchester United have been handed a major boost ahead of their clash with Sheffield United on Saturday with the return to fitness of Raphael Varane and Erik ten Hag’s positive update on Casemiro’s injury. Victor Lindelof is also ready to play after being involved in the terror attack in Brussels in midweek.

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