Manchester United have confirmed Raphael Varane will be out of action for 'a few weeks' after picking up a groin injury on international duty.
Varane was substituted just before half time in France's 2-1 Nations League final win over Spain on Sunday.
There were fears at Old Trafford that the problem could keep Varane out of United's meeting with Leicester City this weekend, but he looks set to miss further games after the club confirmed he will be out of action for a number of weeks.
United stumbled into the international break following a run of one win in their last four games, with their only victory in that time coming deep into stoppage time against Villarreal.
The Red Devils have dropped to fourth in the Premier League table, though are only two points behind first-placed Chelsea.
Varane now joins fellow United centre-back Harry Maguire on the treatment table. The club captain picked up a calf injury in a 1-0 loss at home to Aston Villa in September, and is a doubt to face Leicester on Sunday.
That leaves Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly as United's only fit senior centre-backs. 19-year-old Teden Mengi could be called upon if necessary, while Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic have played at the back for United in the past.
However, Man Utd will be strengthened by the return of Marcus Rashford, who has resumed full training and claims he is finally 'fully free' from injury. The 23-year-old underwent shoulder surgery following the conclusion of Euro 2020 in an attempt to solve a problem that plagued him for much of last season.
Source: 90min
