Man. United have confirmed Raphael Varane will miss the derby against Manchester City due to injury

Manchester United have confirmed Raphael Varane will miss the derby against Manchester City due to injury.

Manchester United have been dealt a major injury blow ahead of Saturday's Manchester derby.

After the Old Trafford giants issued an update on Raphael Varane's condition, he has been ruled out of the upcoming Premier League match - and the next month.

Last night in the Champions League, the 28-year-old was forced off against Atalanta.

The France international - and World Cup champion - sank to the ground with less than 40 minutes on the clock, as United found themselves a goal down.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, came to United's rescue twice, scoring two equalizers against United's tenacious Italian opponents.

It's a point that puts them on the verge of qualifying for this season's knockout stages. That result, however, appears to have come at a hefty cost.

"The club confirms that Raphael sustained a hamstring injury, which is expected to keep him out of action for roughly a month," read a brief statement on the MUFC website.

"We wish Raphael the best of luck as he works on his rehabilitation."

The former Real Madrid defender only returned to action for United last Saturday afternoon after limping off during the Nations League final while on international duty for France last month.

Indeed, he was a key component of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's new defensive scheme, which helped him cope with mounting pressure at Old Trafford.

The centre-back is scheduled to miss games against Watford, Villarreal, and Chelsea, starting with City on Saturday afternoon (12.30pm).

United will be relieved to learn that two weeks of his time on the bench will be spent during yet another international break.

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