Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane missed out against Brentford on Saturday afternoon due to "a minor issue", Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag said ahead of kickoff at Old Trafford.
The 20-time English champions have severe defensive problems at the moment, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Sergio Reguilon and Lisandro Martinez all on the sidelines.
Varane had been expected to start Saturday's clash with Brentford, but he was a notable absentee when the teams were announced, with Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Diogo Dalot named as the four defenders for the contest.
Ten Hag revealed that "a minor issue" saw Varane miss out, but he suggested that the centre-back would have no problems being available for the next game against Sheffield United on October 21.
© Reuters
"He couldn't make the game, he had a minor issue. If it was two or three days longer [between matches], he could have made it but now it was too short," Ten Hag told Sky Sports News.
Varane has had a number of muscular injuries since arriving from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021, but he has managed to feature on 70 occasions for the club in all competitions.
Man United were staring at a seventh loss in all competitions this season on Saturday, with Brentford leading 1-0 at Old Trafford into second-half stoppage time.
However, Scott McTominay came up with a late brace for the 20-time English champions to secure a huge three points, easing the pressure on Ten Hag in the process.
Varane retired from international duty earlier this year, so he will not be involved for France during the international break, allowing him to recover for Man United's next match.
© Reuters
Man United are believed to be planning to move for a new central defender next year, with the futures of Maguire and Lindelof both unclear.
Evans also only has a deal until the end of the campaign, while Martinez is out for the next two to three months following a foot operation.
Benfica's Antonio Silva is said to be a target for the 20-time English champions, while Atalanta BC's Giorgio Scalvini is also thought to have admirers at Old Trafford.
Man United will be aiming to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League when they travel to Sheffield United after the international break, before welcoming Copenhagen to Old Trafford in the Champions League on October 24.
