Atalanta 2-2 Manchester United: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer review
Raphael Varane is expected to miss up to four weeks of action after picking up a hamstring injury in Manchester United's 2-2 draw at Atalanta in the Champions League. The centre-back, who arrived in the summer from Real Madrid in a £34million deal, was forced off in the first half and was replaced by Mason Greenwood. United confirmed on Tuesday he will be out for a month on Wednesday.
Varane seemed to feel some discomfort in his muscle when over-stretching and was therefore not keen to take any risks.
The French international only recently returned from a groin problem sustained in the Nations League finals in Italy while away with Les Blues on international duty.
He was able to return last weekend though as United cruised to a 3-0 win on the road at Tottenham in their new 3-5-2 system.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted to build his new-look backline around Varane, who was deployed in the centre of the three.
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Solskjaer feared Varane could be set for a spell on the sidelines when speaking to BT Sport after last night's draw.
He said: “He felt his hamstring. So of course you can’t take any risks, unfortunately.
“Rafa has been such a calming influence when he’s on the pitch. We lost him but that’s football.”
Captain Harry Maguire, who has not been at his best this season, also recently revealed he's not been fully fit despite plowing on through the pain barrier.
Raphael Varane was forced off for Man Utd with a hamstring strain (Image: GETTY)
"I’ve struggled to find the rhythm. I’m my biggest critic, so I know when I’m playing well, and when I’m not playing well, I’m always looking for ways to improve myself," he recently told TV2.
"I had been injury-free for a long time, then I got a big injury in the ankle.
"I came back and played a tough Euros, and I have had some blows this season which has led to me struggling to find the rhythm."