Raphael Varane was forced off in the first half of the 2-2 draw at Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday; Free match highlights of Man Utd vs Man City will be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel before 2.45pm on Saturday
Thursday 4 November 2021 19:47, UK
Raphael Varane will be out for around a month after the Manchester United defender suffered a hamstring injury against Atalanta.
The France international only recently returned from injury but will now miss United's Premier League match at home to Manchester City on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
A month-long absence would see Varane out of United's next two matches after the international break - against Watford and Villarreal.
He would also likely miss the trip to Chelsea on November 28, live on Sky Sports, and he could be a doubt for the home match against Arsenal on December 2.
"The club confirms that Raphael sustained a hamstring injury, which is expected to keep him out of action for around a month," United said in a statement on Wednesday.
"We'd like to wish Raphael all the best as he works on his recovery."
Varane joined United from Real Madrid in the summer, and he has made nine appearances so far this season - in which they have conceded nine goals.
In the six matches where Varane has not featured this term, United have conceded 14 goals.
Solskjaer had said Varane's injury did not "look good" after the centre-back went off injured in the first half against Atalanta.
United went on to draw the Champions League Group F match 2-2 thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's injury-time equaliser.
Solskjaer compared Ronaldo to NBA great Michael Jordan, while Sky Sports' Paul Merson said the result only papers over the cracks at Old Trafford.
November 6: Man City (h) - Premier League, kick-off 12.30pm, live on Sky Sports
November 20: Watford (a) - Premier League, kick-off 3pm
November 23: Villarreal (a) - Champions League, kick-off 5.45pm
November 28: Chelsea (a) - Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports
December 2: Arsenal (h) - Premier League, kick-off 8.15pm
Peter Smith is joined by Sky Sports football journalists Richard Morgan and Ben Grounds to discuss the huge Saturday lunchtime showdown between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford.
PART 1 | How are the two rivals shaping up for the big clash? We weigh up how Man Utd's injury concerns in defence could affect their approach, while we ask whether Jack Grealish is living up to his big price tag and the reasons behind some inconsistent form from the defending champions. Is this match now a must-win for them with Chelsea pulling clear at the top of the Premier League?
PART 2 | Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a winning record against Pep Guardiola so what's the secret to his success in this rivalry? And how will the clash go on Saturday? We make our big match predictions!
