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Manchester United defender Varane was reportedly absent due to illness against Newcastle United in the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening.
Unexpectedly, the former France international made it to the Old Trafford bench for Sunday’s Premier League match against Manchester City.
Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils’ head coach, stated that he chose to start Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire in the middle of the defense for “tactical reasons,” with Sergio Reguilon also left out despite his recent return to fitness.
Varane was then absent from the squad list against Newcastle on Wednesday. Varane’s absence from the game led to rumors that Ten Hag had dropped him completely.
The experienced centre-back, however, was unavailable for selection against the Magpies due to illness, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Varane set to return for Premier League Clash against Fulham
The defender may be available for Red Devil’s upcoming Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday afternoon.
In the Red Devils’ 3-0 loss to Newcastle, Maguire and Victor Lindelof both struggled defensively.
After recovering from a hamstring injury, Aaron Wan-Bissaka took Diogo Dalot’s place at halftime. Dalot will probably also get the start versus Fulham.
Evans was an unused substitute against Newcastle. Lisandro Martinez is still unavailable for selection after undergoing a second foot operation this year.
Ten Hag made seven changes to his starting lineup against Newcastle after a 3-0 loss to Manchester City in the league the previous week, but the team suffered another three-goal defeat.
Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, and Bruno Fernandes were all introduced shortly after Newcastle’s third goal, and the trio are expected to return to the starting lineup against Fulham this weekend.
Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay are also in contention to return, but Casemiro has emerged as a fresh doubt following his injury against the Magpies.
For the first time since the 1962-63 season, Manchester Utd has been defeated in eight of their first 15 games.
