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Manchester United are worried Raphael Varane could miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury, according to reports.
The key defender was taken off at half time in their Europa League quarter-final first leg against Sevilla at Old Trafford last week.
United were 2-0 up in that game but conceded two late own goals to draw 2-2, before being soundly beaten 3-0 in the second leg in Spain to exit 5-2 on aggregate.
Varane missed that game and will be absent for the club’s FA Cup semi-final against Brighton on Sunday afternoon.
The Frenchman had scans on his ankle after the initial swelling went down, and according to the Mirror, the verdict is that he may miss up to six weeks.
Man United ‘are worried Raphael Varane could miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury’
Varane’s first-choice centre-back partner Lisandro Martinez is out for the rest of the campaign
The news will be a blow to manager Erik ten Hag, preparing for an FA Cup semi-final on Sunday
If he does miss six weeks, he would almost certainly not play any further part for United this season, with their final league game against Fulham on May 28.
The news will come as a blow to manager Erik ten Hag, whose side is still fighting for the FA Cup and to finish in the top four and secure Champions League football for next season.
Varane’s absence will be more keenly felt after fellow first-choice centre-back partner Lisandro Martinez was also ruled out for the rest of the campaign with a metatarsal injury.
Ten Hag could be forced to rely on Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof – torn apart by Sevilla in Spain – as a defensive pairing, or play natural left back Luke Shaw out of position when he returns from injury.
But it is believed United staff remain hopeful Varane would be back in time for the FA Cup final on June 3 if they beat Brighton.
Before the Wembley clash with the Seagulls, Ten Hag admitted several stars were playing for their futures at the club.
He said: ‘I think we are always playing for our futures, as professional players. Every game is a test, every season is a test and you have to earn the right to wear the shirt. But also for me as a manager. In that matter, we are in the same boat.
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‘But I think we make huge progress. We have the experience now but we have still a way to go. So we have to step up and the good thing is Sunday is the next opportunity. It is a great opportunity, it is the semi-final of the FA Cup.’