Manchester United defender Raphael Varane left the field in tears after he suffered a nasty-looking knee injury against Chelsea.
The 29-year-old fell awkwardly while trying to chase Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, jerking his knee which caused him to lie on the ground in pain. He was consoled by his teammates as he left the pitch in tears, being replaced by Victor Lindelof on 59 minutes.
The centre-back has had rotten luck with injuries since his arrival at United just over a year ago. He suffered an ankle problem earlier this season after nursing a knock in pre-season.
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Varane was extremely emotional when he left the pitch, with the World Cup less than a month away. One positive United fans can take is that the centre-back walked off the field despite a stretcher being available.
Erik ten Hag may now only have two fit centre-backs available to him with Axel Tuanzebe injured and Harry Maguire not quite yet recovered from a knee problem picked up on international duty last month, although the club captain is expected to be back soon. Eric Bailly is out on loan at Marseille and picked up a knock last time out against Paris Saint-Germain.
While Ten Hag will be concerned about his player, so will France head coach Didier Deschamps. Varane is a first-choice selection for the world champions but Les Bleus might well travel to Qatar without him if the injury is deemed serious.
Gary Neville was on commentary duty for Sky Sports at Stamford Bridge and he was confused by what went on in the aftermath of Varane's injury.
"I’m not sure what he’s doing, they’ve asked if he wants a stretcher and he’s snapped at the volunteer, I don’t think that’s the right thing," he said. "Erik ten Hag has tried to get Martinez and Varane together at any opportunity but injuries put a block in front of that."
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