Raphael Varane could be ruled out with injury for the remainder of the season alongside Manchester United team-mate Lisandro Martinez.
Varane was hauled off at half-time during United’s 2-2 Europa League draw with Sevilla at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
The France international has formed a key partnership with Argentina star Martinez at the heart of United’s defence this term.
The Athletic report that Varane may join Martinez in missing the conclusion of the 2022-23 campaign in what is an injury nightmare for Erik ten Hag, although the club have only said that the Frenchman ‘is expected to be out for a few weeks’.
United have some massive fixtures coming up and remain in a battle to finish in the Premier League top four to secure Champions League qualification.
The Red Devils are also in the Europa League quarter-finals and FA Cup semi-finals as they look to add more silverware having already lifted the Carabao Cup.
While United are ‘hoping’ that Varane will not miss the rest of the campaign – there are concerns that he will – while Martinez will definitely not return until next season.
Reports in Argentina had claimed that Martinez could recover within six weeks but the foot injury he sustained is more severe than first thought.
Martinez was carried off by medical staff and looked to be in tears after suffering the injury in the draw with Sevilla.
United released a statement about both centre-backs on Friday night which read: ‘Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after fracturing a metatarsal bone in his foot.
‘However, the Argentinian defender is expected to make a full recovery in time to be ready for the start of next season.
‘Martinez sustained the injury in the 86th minute of Thursday night’s 2-2 draw with Sevilla in the quarter-final of the UEFA Europa League.
‘Lisandro’s defensive partner Raphael Varane was also substituted with an injury at half-time in the same game and is expected to be out for a few weeks.
‘While Lisandro’s first season at United has sadly come to a premature end, it will remain a memorable one for the centre-back having made 45 club appearances whilst establishing himself as a firm fan favourite and helping the team to win the Carabao Cup.
‘In December, Martinez became only the fifth United player to win the World Cup, as Argentina beat France in the Qatar 2022 final.
‘Everyone at Manchester United sends Lisandro and Rapha our best wishes for a speedy recovery.’
