Raphael Varane faces a late fitness test (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is hopeful of being passed fit for his side’s trip to face Chelsea on Thursday.
The Frenchman was removed at half-time in United’s dismal 1-1 draw with Brentford on Saturday.
Varane couldn’t continue after a collision with Ivan Toney, in which he made a last-ditch block in the penalty area.
Varane has struggled to play two games-a-week this season but his inclusion is more necessary than ever following injuries to Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez.
Martinez made his return from two months out on Saturday to replace Lindelof, but he suffered a calf injury on Tuesday in training.
Lindelof was forced off against Brentford (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Lindelof suffered a hamstring injury in the draw in north-west London, and both players will be out for between three to four weeks.
United face Chelsea on Thursday before hosting Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Red Devils realistically need two wins from the games if they’re to qualify for the Champions League, and the Manchester Evening News says Varane is confident he can play in London.
Jonny Evans has missed the last two games through injury but could return to the matchday squad on Thursday.
Amad Diallo will also return having missed the trip to Brentford through suspension.
Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial remain long-term absentees.
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