MANCHESTER UNITED have been handed a boost with Raphael Varane set to return to full training on Friday.
The 28-year-old defender has been struggling since late October after picking up a groin injury while away with France.
He has been recovering in the gym before returning to the training pitch within the last ten days.
And SunSport understands Varane has now been given the all-clear to join in with full contact first-team action.
The ex-Real Madrid man could even be back on the bench when United travel to Norwich on Saturday night.
But it is more likely he will return against Brentford next Tuesday, with more fitness under his belt.
United boss Ralf Rangnick confirmed Varane was back with the first-team following their 1-1 draw against Young Boys on Tuesday.
The German tactician rang the changes for that particular Champions League encounter as he paired Eric Bailly with Nemanja Matic at the back.
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Matic was named skipper as he dropped back from his usual midfield berth, with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof rested.
The Red Devils next face a trip to the Premier League’s bottom side when they take on Norwich on Saturday.
The Canaries have scored the fewest goals in the top flight so far this season and were swept aside 3-0 by Tottenham in their last outing.
But that was their first defeat in five games and Rangnick will be eager to avoid any embarrassing slip-ups so early in his reign.
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