The latest on Varane's return
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is progressing well with his rehabilitation in a bid to return from a hamstring injury.
The classy France international is back out on the grass at Carrington but has been ruled out of this week's Premier League home matches against Arsenal and Crystal Palace.
With the games coming thick and fast throughout December, it will be hoped the centre-back will be available soon, after being forced off during the 2-2 draw at Atalanta at the start of last month.
Carrick reveals team news for Arsenal clash
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"Yeah, Rapha’s rehab is going really well," Carrick revealed to club media on Wednesday. "He’s out on the grass but it won’t be any time this week, by any stretch, it’ll be a little bit further than that, if not even longer.
"He’s on course [though], which is good."
The original expectation was that Varane would be out for around a month after he had bounced back from a separate injury, suffered while representing France in the UEFA Nations League final against Spain.
Harry Maguire is available again after suspension for the visit of Arsenal on Thursday night, with Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof paired at the heart of the defence in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea last weekend.
Phil Jones was named among the substitutes in the capital having overcome his own injury battle.
UK fans can take up a free trial to watch the Arsenal game on Amazon Prime Video.