Manchester United losing Raphael Varane to injury is a big blow, says journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The French defender had to be taken off in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea last Saturday and is not set to play for Erik ten Hag’s side again until after the World Cup.

What is the latest news involving Varane?

Ten Hag recently confirmed that he will be without Varane for the remaining fixtures before the international tournament in Qatar.

“He will be out, certainly until the World Cup, so he will not play in this block [of games] for Man United,” the Dutchman said.

Ten Hag has also cast doubt on Varane’s participation at the World Cup following the 29-year-old’s injury.

“We have to see how it develops, how the rehab will develop,” Ten Hag said when discussing Varane’s chances of being fit enough to make the France squad.

What has O’Rourke said about Varane?

O’Rourke thinks Varane’s injury can only be described as a blow for both him and United.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: “It’s a blow because he was building a good central defensive partnership with Lisandro Martinez and United were keeping clean sheets and getting positive results, so to lose Varane is a blow.

“Since he arrived at Manchester United, he’s been affected by injuries. We’ve not seen the best of Raphael Varane, so he would have been hoping this was his opportunity to get a regular run in the side.”