Cristiano Ronaldo returns for Manchester United, Raphaël Varane out until after World Cup
Ronaldo is back in the Manchester United squad after being left out for Saturday’s 1-1 league draw at Chelsea.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the squad ahead of their Europa League clash with Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday night.
Ronaldo was left out for Saturday’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Chelsea as punishment for leaving last week’s match against Tottenham early and refusing to come on as a substitute.
“It’s not difficult but I think we set everything and we answered all the questions. So he was out for one game and now he is back in the squad as usual,” Ten Hag said.
“So all the questions I think everything we covered last week, everything we explained so we have to focus on the game tomorrow. We have an important game because we want to be number one in the group so let’s focus on that.”
ℹ️ The boss was asked about @Cristiano's availability during today's press conference 👇#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 26, 2022
Varane out until after World Cup
Raphaël Varane is in a race to be fit for France for next month’s World Cup in Qatar. The Dutch head coach revealed Varane won’t play for the club before the World Cup after suffering an injury at Stamford Bridge, an injury that left the former Real Madrid player in tears.
“Rapha Varane isn’t in the squad, so he will be out certainly until the World Cup,” Ten Hag said. “He will not play in this block for Man United.”
Asked if Varane could play for Les Bleus in the World Cup, he added: “I think so, but the prognosis we have to wait. We have to see how it develops, how the rehab will develop.”