Raphael Varane Injury: Updates on Real Madrid Defender's Hamstring and Return

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane suffered a hamstring injury in Nov. 25's Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk. It is uncertain when he will be able to return. 

Continue for updates.

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Varane Out of Rayo Game

Sunday, Dec. 20

Madrid confirmed Varane's absence from their matchday squad to face Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabeu.

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Latest on Varane's Training Status

Monday, Dec. 14

AS noted Varane's return to training for the first time since suffering the injury, reporting he was doing ball work.

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Injury Slows Varane's Emergence at Madrid

After playing intermittently as a backup in 2014-15, Varane has been given more responsibility in the current campaign, starting the majority of Real's matches alongside Sergio Ramos while Pepe acts as the first man off the bench. 

Varane provides a coolness at the back and a great ability to distribute from deep, which allows Madrid to turn defence into attack at pace. While the 22-year-old doesn't have Pepe's brute strength, Varane's distribution and positioning match well with Sergio Ramos' brilliance in the air and in duels.

As one of European football's brightest young defensive stars, Varane offers a dynamism in defence that manager Rafa Benitez's alternative options cannot match. Pepe is the only experienced starter who remains, and while Nacho has proved a competent backup when needed, he's nowhere near the level of Varane or Ramos.