Varane forced off with knee injury on Como debut

Cesc Fabregas put all his best players in the starting XI for his official debut for Como this season. He lined up Pepe Reina, Raphael Varane, Alberto Moreno and Andrea Belotti, the big names of the transfer window with whom the manager filled his dressing room with quality. Unfortunately, the French defender only lasted 18 minutes on the pitch before being injured and substituted one minute later.

The former Manchester United man picked up a knee injury after a Sampdoria attack. The move ended in nothing when Reina got between the ball and his opponents to take it with his hands, but his bruised team-mate called for medical assistance because he was unable to continue. His coach took advantage of the break to give instructions to some of his players as he managed the change.

The Frenchman had not taken the field for a formal match since May 25th of this year, when he started in the victory against Pep Guardiola's City. Perhaps the lack of elite-level playing time is the cause of his ailment, of which more details will be known later in the week, when the medical report on his condition will be released. It is quite likely that he will miss the first day of the Serie A season.

The setback is huge for Cesc Fabregas, who would have in mind to make Varane a fundamental piece of his defensive line. To make matters worse, the Serie A opener will be against Juventus in Turin. They are one of the most powerful teams in the league in terms of attack and, a few days later, they will be away to Cagliari and then Udinese. It makes sense for the Frenchman to remain in Como during these matches for treatment.

 

August 11, 2024