Double fitness boost ahead of Leeds game

Thursday 17 February 2022 16:00

Raphael Varane and Edinson Cavani were at Carrington on Thursday, with Manchester United's sights now set firmly on Sunday's Premier League visit to Leeds United.

The Reds are looking to make it six top-flight points this week, after Tuesday's 2-0 defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford.

Varane did not take part in that game, despite initially being named in Ralf Rangnick's starting XI to take on Graham Potter's side.

At around 19:35 GMT, 40 minutes prior to kick-off, it was announced that the World Cup winner had been taken ill and replaced by Victor Lindelof in the backline.

Following the game, Rangnick elaborated on the problem, suggesting it had been affecting Raphael in the build-up.

“On the way from the hotel, after dinner and the team meeting, he had stomach problems,” Ralf said.

“We were hoping to get rid of it with medication but he did not feel well and that is why we played with Victor Lindelof instead.”

Cavani missed the win over the Seagulls as well as Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Southampton, with the 35-year-old suffering from a groin problem.

Edi too features in our images from the session, which you can view in more detail in the gallery above. Nemanja Matic wasn't pictured, with the Serbian having been ruled out in recent weeks with a shin complaint.

Varane has made 20 appearances across all competitions this season, while Cavani has played 15 times.

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We also have footage from Carrington which you will be able to see in Thursday's edition of United Daily, from 18:00 GMT.

It remains to be seen whether Varane and Cavani are ready to face Marcelo Bielsa's side, but we expect Rangnick to give a squad update when he faces the media for his pre-match press conference on Friday.

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