Raphael Varane injury: Progress & potential return date for Man Utd star

Manchester United endured a torrid night at Old Trafford when they ceded two late goals - both of which were own goals - to Sevilla in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final just over a week ago.

To top it off, Raphael Varane was withdrawn at half-time through injury.

The former France international has partnered Lisandro Martinez for most of this campaign, which means those low in the pecking order will have to be considered in a crucial period in United's season as the Argentine too is injured.

It seems Varane has carried his injury prone nature that United fans were wary about with him over from Real Madrid after missing 17 games in his inaugural season at the Red Devils.

Here's what we know about his latest injury and a potential return date.

What injury has Raphael Varane got?

The intricacies of the injury itself have not been disclosed, but reports suggest it is related to a foot ailment, which supports Varane's visible actions of pain in his left leg before being hauled off against Sevilla.

Post-match, Erik ten Hag revealed that it coincided with the same knock that his mainstay defender had warned him about in the days leading up to United's first encounter with the Spanish side.

What Man Utd games will Raphael Varane miss?

No timeframe was been given for how long Varane is set to remain on the sidelines, so when we can expect to see him back donning United colours is up in the air. The official Manchester United website has, however, suggested that he will be out for a few weeks.

It's unlikely that we will see the former Real Madrid defender feature in United's FA Cup semi-final tie against Brighton, but there is the possibility that he will be available for the next domestic game against Tottenham.

Man Utd's upcoming fixture list

• 23/04/2023 - Brighton v Manchester United (FA Cup, 16:30)
• 27/04/2023 - Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United (20:15)
• 30/04/2023 - Manchester United v Aston Villa (14:00)
• 04/05/2023 - Brighton v Manchester United (20:00)
• 07/05/2023 - West Ham United v Manchester United (19:00)
• 13/05/2023 - Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers (15:00)
• 20/05/2023 - A.F.C. Bournemouth v Manchester United (15:00)
• 25/05/2023 - Manchester United vs Chelsea (20:00)
• 28/05/2023 - Manchester United v Fulham (16:30)

Who could replace Raphael Varane?

The combined absence of Ten Hag's first-choice centre-backs will provoke an uneasy environment in the United camp. However, it is believed that Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof will be the main port of call in the meantime.

Though Ten Hag has been non-committal in the details being released, he's confident in the likes of club captain Maguire's ability to plug the gap.

Shuffled infield on the occasion earlier in the season was Luke Shaw who made be subject to the same temporary positional change upon his return from injury. In the worst-case scenario, either Casemiro or Scott McTominay could deputise, but in turn, would leave the midfield department a man light.