Manchester United Suffer Major Blow As $46M Star Sidelined For A 'Few Weeks'

Manchester United has suffered a blow as defender Raphael Varane has been sidelined for "a few weeks" with an injury he picked up on international duty.

The French center-back Varane sustained a groin injury during Nations League final win against Spain on Saturday. He was withdrawn from the field during the first half of the match at San Siro.

"Raphael Varane sustained a groin muscle injury in the UEFA Nations League final and has commenced rehabilitation at the club. He will be out for a few weeks," Manchester United said in an official statement.

Varane’s injury is a major setback for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is already without another center-back Harry Maguire, who is also the Reds’ captain.

"Everybody at United would like to wish Raphael a speedy recovery," added Manchester United in the same statement.

Nations League victory saw Varane win a second trophy with the French national team. Along with Varane, his Manchester United teammates Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial were also a part of the France side that came from behind to win 2-1 in the Nations League final in Italy.

Varane, who moved from Real Madrid to Manchester United in the summer of 2021, has started six games for the Old Trafford side this season. He also netted and assisted a goal each.

Post the international break, Manchester United have a busy October, starting with an away Premier League fixture against Leicester City on Saturday. After which, the Red Devils have a home Champions League clash with Atalanta before league games against Liverpool and Tottenham to complete a hectic month.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils have also received great news in Marcus Rashford’s return. The English forward, who is yet to make an appearance for Manchester United this season, has returned to fitness and is near to making a comeback.

"You know what? It's funny because he looks so sharp since he's come back from his shoulder injury and everything from last season. I think he was carrying a few knocks. So for him to come back, he looks back to his best and I'm really excited to see him out there. I think he is going to help the team a lot," Man Utd’s goalkeeper Dean Henderson said of Rashford in a recent interview.