RAPHAEL VARANE is set to boost France ahead of the World Cup in Qatar as he is close to full fitness.
The Manchester United defender had been a doubt for the tournament after picking up a thigh injury in the draw against Chelsea on October 22.
This injury led to major concerns as injured just one month before France’s opening game of the tournament against Australia.
However, the team’s vice-captain is now reportedly on track with his recovery and is already doing running exercises, according to GFFN.
The report also says that the former Real Madrid defender underwent treatment at the French national base at Clairefontaine.
Didier Deschamps will be happy to have one of his stars back as France are set to go into the competition without Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante.
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There also concerns over the form of Atletico Madrid attacker Antoine Griezmann, who has not hit the level of his previous highs.
Varane is likely to be used in the back line as part of a defensive three alongside Arsenal star William Saliba and AS Monaco rising star Benoit Badiashile.
Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag will be keen to get the 29-year-old back in his team, especially after the 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday.
However, it is unlikely that he will be risked in the club’s two matches before the break for the World Cup.
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United will welcome weekend’s opponents Villa to Old Trafford in the week for their Carabao Cup game before the Premier League clash against Fulham.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk