Manchester United has announced that defender Raphael Varane will be sidelined for the next few weeks due to a muscle injury sustained in a recent match against Chelsea. The club aims for Varane to return to action before the end of the season in May. Additionally, fellow center-back Jonny Evans is also dealing with a muscle issue, but is expected to recover sooner than Varane. This setback leaves United’s head coach, Ten Hag, facing a shortage of options in central defense.

The timing of Varane’s injury news has led to ongoing speculation that this season could be his last at Old Trafford. As one of the highest earners at the club, it is unlikely that Varane will accept a pay cut, making it probable that he will seek a new challenge elsewhere in the summer. In the past, Varane has openly discussed his potential future, mentioning that he could envision concluding his playing career at either Madrid, Manchester, or Lens. However, he stated that a return to Madrid seems unlikely, as players rarely return there.

These developments add further uncertainty to Varane’s future at Manchester United, as the club grapples with defensive setbacks and the possibility of a significant player departure in the upcoming transfer window.