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.

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