Man United will take on Leeds United on Sunday and Rangnick has confirmed that Raphael Varane along with Matic and Eric Bailly are back to full fitness.
Raphael Varane had to pull out of the Brighton game due to a stomach illness which is why Victor Lindelof had to pair up with Harry Maguire in central defence.
The manager had updated in midweek: “On the way from the hotel after dinner and team meeting, he had stomach problems. We were hoping to get rid of it with medication but he did not feel well.”
The centre-back though has made a full recovery and has also reported back to training so Raphael Varane will once again partner Harry Maguire in central defence.
Raphael Varane in training today 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/EyGwHpM5jh
— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) February 17, 2022
The manager has also confirmed that Nemanja Matic and Eric Bailly will also be available for selection and while their return is certainly a boost for the manager, the pair are only going to get a role on the bench, at best.
“I’m grateful that we have more players back available again,” said Ralf in his press conference. “Nemanja Matic was back in training today for the first time and he did quite well, so he might be available, maybe even for tomorrow for Sunday against Leeds, but definitely in the next two games.
“And then we will have to see. We will take it one by one, we will try to start each of those three games [Leeds, Atletico, Watford] with a starting XI where we are convinced that we can win the next possible game.”
Eric Bailly returns to training 💪 pic.twitter.com/AYoAiIRROI
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) February 14, 2022
The Man United boss seems to be well-stocked up in every area of the pitch barring the centre-forward position since Edinson Cavani is still sidelined with a groin injury and is ruled out for the Leeds United clash.
“Well, as it seems, Edinson Cavani will still be out,” added Rangnick.
“He is still having some problems with his groin and, on the other hand, also some with his stomach. The same is true with Tom Heaton. Apart from that, everybody else seems to be available.”
The return of Raphael Varane is the biggest plus for the Man United boss since the Red Devils take on Atletico Madrid next week and Rangnick will need a player like Varane who has loads of European experience under his belt.
