Manchester United defender Raphael Varane could miss the World Cup for France
- Planet Sport writer
- 23 October 2022
Raphael Varane looks in doubt for the World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury in Manchester United's 1-1 draw at Chelsea in the Premier League.
United boss Erik ten Hag insisted club medics will need a day to assess the France defender, who was distraught at hobbling out of the game.
Varane was left in tears, even punching the corner flag in frustration when leaving the field.
The 29-year-old's reaction suggested a possibly bleak outlook, but boss Ten Hag refused to be drawn too soon on the prognosis.
Asked about Varane, Ten Hag replied: "There's nothing in this moment, he came off but with an injury like this you always have to wait a minimum of 24 hours and the medics can do their job.
"I can understand, and I think we all probably can understand him being emotional.
"The medics have to do a job, make their assessment, set the right diagnosis and from there on we can come to a conclusion."
Jorginho's late penalty had Chelsea battling to hold out for a win, before Casemiro levelled with a header from Luke Shaw's cross four minutes into added time.
Brazil midfielder Casemiro's acrobatic header offered a passable impression of the absent Cristiano Ronaldo, stood down by Ten Hag over disciplinary breaches.
Ten Hag hailed United's comeback draw, but insisted the boost to his squad would have no impact on Ronaldo's situation.
"Of course it is a big moment, to get a point here, to collect the point, a well-deserved point," said Ten Hag.
"But it doesn't have any matter with that case as you mean (Ronaldo).
"It's more important to have the right culture and the right standards for us to live by. That will always bring you to the right position.
"I'm happy with this game, we created two or three really good chances, then they switched system.
"After half-time we were again organised, on the ball. I thought 1-1 was a fair result.
"We have to live with that and I'm happy with that as well."
