Raphael Varane has missed Manchester United’s last three games through injury, but he should return before the FA Cup final on June 3.
Erik ten Hag expects Raphael Varane to return to fitness in time to feature in Manchester United’s FA Cup final clash with cross-city rivals Manchester City.
Varane was substituted at half-time after picking up an ankle injury during the first leg of United’s Europa League quarter-final against Sevilla, which the Red Devils lost 5-2 on aggregate.
Varane’s central defensive partner Lisandro Martinez suffered a season-ending metatarsal fracture in the same game, forcing the Ten Hag to use a makeshift backup in the final games.
With club captain Harry Maguire suspended, Luke Shaw partnered Victor Lindelof in central defense as United reached a record-equalling 21st FA Cup final with a penalty shoot-out victory over Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.
United will now face treble-chasing rivals City in the final at Wembley Stadium on June 3 and the Red Devils will be hoping to have Varane at their disposal.
Asked if Varane could feature in United’s second domestic cup final of the season, The Hag told talkSPORT: “I think so. Varane, he can come back for the cup final.”
Varane has made a total of 27 starts for United this campaign, having also been sidelined with ankle and foot injuries before last year’s World Cup.
United have done well in Varane’s absence, winning 20 of 25 games without him in all competitions (L5), compared to 16 of 27 with the Frenchman involved from the start (D7 L4).
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