Manchester United have confirmed that Raphael Varane won’t play in their upcoming derby clash with Manchester City on Saturday.
Varane has been ruled out for a month with a hamstring injury. The French defender sustained the injury during a 2-2 draw with Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday.
“The club confirms that Raphael sustained a hamstring injury, which is expected to keep him out of action for around a month. We’d like to wish Raphael all the best as he works on his recovery,” Manchester United said in a statement.
Even with Varane missing, it appears likely that Solskjaer will revert to the back three that looked so effective against Spurs.
The Red Devils are currently placed fifth in the 2021-22 Premier League table with 17 points, three less than reigning champions City, who are in the third spot.
City, who will be eager to claim three points after losing to Crystal Palace last weekend, have failed to win any of the past four Manchester Derbies in the Premier League.
With the Sky Blues already five points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea, the first Manchester derby of the season could have huge ramifications on the Premier League title race.
The news was shared on Twitter by City Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from Man City fans.
Advantage Pep https://t.co/xgokHOYV61
— ђɭ๏ภเ (@jnr_koena__) November 3, 2021
Boost for us that
— City 💙 (@bluemoon_mcfc_) November 3, 2021
Good tbf they play better with him in the team
— Dan (@danjamesmcfcitk) November 3, 2021
No matter what, they will park the plane. just get ready for their counter attack
— ini apiw (@rafipsrgr) November 4, 2021
Advantage man united
— Ant (@BernardoTouch) November 3, 2021
Disadvantage Gabriel Jesus 😪
— Cameron (@Cameron_MCFC_) November 3, 2021
Dodged the Jesus test
— Jacky G (@cancelinhoo) November 3, 2021
