• Varane been out with muscle injury
• Man Utd defender 'resting well'
• Frenchman 'racing' to get back

WHAT HAPPENED?

The France international has been sidelined for a few weeks with a muscle issue he sustained in the 4-3 defeat at Chelsea. However, the 31-year-old says he is "resting well" and suggested he may be back for for Erik ten Hag's men before the end of the season.

WHAT RAPHAEL VARANE SAID

He posted a photo of himself on Instagram in his kitchen and wrote: "Resting well. Racing to get back ready to play in front of you again. Just wanted to check in and say I appreciate all your support, especially yesterday (Thursday)!"

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

United have been beset by injuries this season, especially in defence; with the likes of Varane, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans all having spells on the sidelines. That has not helped the Red Devils defensively but having the former Real Madrid man back available will be a big boost in their bid to qualify for Europe.

DID YOU KNOW?

Varane recently admitted he has "damaged his body" because of repeatedly heading the ball over the years. The centre-back, who said he was on "autopilot" after playing for France at the 2014 World Cup with a concussion, has called for greater protection and better awareness on this matter.

He told L'Equipe: "My seven-year-old son plays football and I advise him not to head the ball. For me, that's essential. Even if it doesn't cause any immediate trauma, we know that in the long term, repeated shocks can have harmful effects. Personally, I don't know if I'll live to be 100, but I do know that I've damaged my body. The dangers of headers need to be taught on all amateur football pitches and to young people."

WHAT NEXT?

While Varane looks set to miss United's clash against relegation-threatened Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday, they will hope he can feature in their upcoming Premier League matches against Crystal Palace and Arsenal on May 6 and 12 respectively.