Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta believes a "crazy" schedule is the reason why so many players are suffering injuries in the run-up to the start of the World Cup, after Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane was forced off during Saturday's 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Varane, who has been a colossus at the back for United so far this season, was forced off on the hour mark after landing awkwardly when stretching to rob the ball off the toes of Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Frenchman was evidently in significant pain and was struggling to hold back the tears as he raised his head from the turf.
Although United, at the time of writing, are yet to confirm the extent of the former Real Madrid man's injury, there is a general feeling that he will be sidelined for several weeks, potentially ruling him out of the World Cup in Qatar. It is a huge blow for France, just as it is for United, meaning they will be weakened by his expected absence.
