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Picture: Man Utd defender returns to training but Lindelof out & Rashford doubtful

Manchester United have been handed a timely boost with Raphael Varane back in training after recovering from a sore back which kept him out of the Chelsea game.

The Red Devils returned to winning ways in midweek with a 2-1 victory over the Blues. They were the dominant side in possession and should have won the match by a bigger margin.

United have now registered four victories from the last five league outings and manager Erik ten Hag will be expecting another three points when Bournemouth visit Old Trafford tomorrow.

Ahead of the clash, the club have had a setback with Victor Lindelof injured while Marcus Rashford is doubtful for the fixture after failing to report for training today due to illness.

However, there is some good news for the club with Varane back with the team after a sore back.

Here is a picture of him in training today (courtesy: Manutd.com)

The Frenchman was an undisputed starter at the beginning of the campaign before picking up an undefined injury. Since his return, he has struggled to secure a starting spot.

Ten Hag has clearly stated that Harry Maguire and Varane are competing for the right centre-back position and the former is currently ahead in the pecking order amid his good form.

Maguire won the Premier League Player of the Month award for November and it is highly unlikely that the former captain will be dropped from the line-up for Varane to be reintroduced.

We would personally like Varane to partner Maguire with the latter moving into the left centre-back role. The £42 million signing may be injury-prone but remains the club’s best defender.

It remains to be seen whether Varane makes the XI. Based on Ten Hag’s selections lately, there is a good possibility that Luke Shaw could accompany Maguire with Sergio Reguilon at left-back.

The other alternative could be to play Jonny Evans alongside Maguire with Shaw at left-back.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com