ERIK TEN HAG is sweating on the fitness of Raphael Varane after the defender injured his ankle in the Manchester derby defeat.
The Frenchman is in a race to be fit for Sunday’s trip to Goodison.
Varane missed Thursday night’s 3-2 win over Cypriot minnows Omonia Nicosia, but could be back in time for the weekend.
Ten Hag said: “Raphael Varane makes progress, and I hope he’s available, but I think it will be close.”
If available, the 29-year-old is likely to slot straight back into the starting line up.
But Ten Hag still has a dilemma regarding Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed an absolute sitter against Omonia.
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The Portuguese ace played 90 minutes last night and did everything but score as he desperately searched for his 700th club goal.
Although if Ten Hag’s recent Premier League selection is anything to go by Ronaldo will be benched once again.
Anthony Martial is coming back from injury but scored in the win over Omonia, so may be reinstated into the starting XI on Sunday.
Marcus Rashford also scored twice in the Europa League, and looks likely to start, with Antony set to keep his place on the right.
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Casemiro is yet to muscle his way into contention in the Prem, so Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay are likely to partner each other in midfield.
At the back Lisandro Martinez is a guaranteed starter, while Tyrell Malacia’s horror show in Cyprus could see him benched in favour of Luke Shaw.
David De Gea will continue between the sticks, with Diogo Dalot at left back.
Alternatively, Ten Hag could chuck Ronaldo in from the start for just the second time in the league this season.
With Martial being eased back from injury, Rashford and Jadon Sancho could line up on the wings.
Victor Lindelof is likely to deputise for Varane if the Frenchman is not fit to play, with Harry Maguire still out injured.
Meanwhile Casemiro could finally be deemed worthy to start a Prem game, and Ten Hag may decide to stick with Malacia despite his error for Omonia’s opener on Thursday.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
