Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: Raphael Varane, Italy, Serie A
Jack Kenmare
Raphael Varane has been removed from Como's 25-man squad list for the 2024/25 Serie A season, according to reports.
The 31-year-old defender, a four-time Champions League winner, joined Como on a free transfer in July after leaving Manchester United.
He penned a two-year contract at the newly-promoted side with the option to extend the deal.
Como manager Cesc Fabregas hailed Varane as a "special" and "highly decorated" player who could bring a huge amount of experience to their squad.
Advert
Varane also praised Fabregas, saying: "I’m very happy, I really like his philosophy of play and his passion for football."
But after suffering an injury in their Coppa Italia clash against Salernitana on August 11, it appears the former Real Madrid defender will be out for a lengthy spell.
In fact, after suffering an issue with the flexor muscle in his thigh, Varane has been excluded from their Serie A squad list for the upcoming campaign, according to Sportmediaset.
The same publication also suggest that Como are considering terminating the defender's contract, just weeks after his arrival.
Varane opened up on joining Como in a recent interview. “At first, I was curious to find out what the project was all about, and then I immediately saw that it was special," he told Manchester United's official website.
"It was different from any other I’d been offered, so I wanted to know more. The more I learned about the project, the more interesting it became, giving me a different perspective on what I wanted to do.
"Once the project came along, it went straight to the top of the list, and we managed to close the deal."
Varane added: "I’m very happy. There’s a lot to do, and it’s very exciting. I have a lot of experience at the highest level and now, to be able to share that knowledge and help a club build itself up and hopefully reach the top, is super exciting.
"I’m meeting Cesc again but not as an opponent this time. I really like his philosophy of play and his passion for football.
"When we spoke, it was so easy to understand each other, so I hope we’ll have very positive results. In any case, I’m coming with a great deal of humility to help the team and the club grow."