PSG forward Mbappe and Man United's Varane suffer injuries on international duty

  /  autty

Kylian Mbappe was forced off with a knee injury during France's 2-1 defeat against Denmark on Friday night.

The forward started the match at the Stade de France, but his evening was brought to a premature end when he went down in the latter stages of the first half after making a pass to team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni.

It was clear that he was not going to be able to continue, and he was replaced by Christopher Nkunku at the interval. France assistant manager Guy Stephan confirmed Mbappe would now be assessed to determine the extent of the problem.

'Kylian has a knee issue,' Stephan told reporters after the game.

'I don’t know the exact nature of it, he’s going to undergo medical exams.'

Mbappe signed a lucrative new contract at PSG shortly before joining up with the national team, and they will be hopeful that it is only a minor setback for the 23-year-old.

Meanwhile, Mbappe was not the only French player to leave the pitch early with a fitness concern as Raphael Varane had to be substituted just after the hour mark.

The centre-back has endured an injury-hit debut season at Manchester United, with a series of muscle problems limiting him to just 22 top-flight appearances.

Stephan confirmed after the full-time whistle that Varane has suffered another hamstring injury.

'Raphael has a muscular problem behind the thigh. He felt some pain. He’s also going to take medical exams as well,' he said.

Varane will be anxious to return quickly from his latest issue, particularly with Erik ten Hag starting in the Old Trafford dugout this summer.

The Dutch manager is keen to bring in a new central defender, and the Red Devils have been linked with Ajax's Jurrien Timber, who ten Hag knows well.

This could heap pressure on Varane as he looks to retain his spot in the starting XI, and he may struggle to cement his place in the team if his injury is serious.

France will be back in action against Croatia on Monday, and it already looks doubtful that either Mbappe or Varane will be able to feature.

Related: Manchester United Paris Saint-Germain Varane Mbappe
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