Real Madrid defender Raphael has once again been sidelined after returning from international duty with an inflamed knee.
The Frenchman represented his country in the 3-0 World Cup play-off victory over Ukraine in midweek and has been forced to pull out of Madrid’s clash with Almeria this weekend.
Varane has only been able to play four full games for Los Blancos so far this season and boss Carlo Ancelotti attempted to explain the 20-year-old centre-back’s situation.
“Varane has knee problems. He can’t play at Almeria because his knee is swollen after playing for France. It’s quite a common problem for a player with this type of injury but we need to sort it out,” the Italian told reporters.
“To say we are worried is not the right word, but we are monitoring his situation alongside the surgeon who previously operated on him.
“I’ve known cases where players with similar injuries have continued to have problems, even after surgery, but we need to know what is causing the inflammation.”
Varane has been unable to play two consecutive games due to the impact on his knee and within Madrid’s medical team there is understood to be some concern over his condition.
