Raphael Varane's World Cup in doubt after injury in Manchester United draw at Chelsea

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane left the pitch in tears against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening after picking up an injury which must make him doubtful for next month's World Cup with France.

Varane stayed down after a challenge with Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and although the former Real Madrid centre-back refused a stretcher, he had to be consoled by team-mates as he walked off just short of the hour mark.

The 29-year-old defender, whose first season at Old Trafford was interrupted by injuries, has been a key player under Erik ten Hag this term and his return to fitness coincided with the team's improvement earlier in the campaign.

Varane was also an important player for France as they won the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but the stylish defender now looks doubtful for the defence of that crown, with this year's competition set to kick off in Qatar next month.

The Frenchman was also forced off in the 6-3 loss to Manchester City at the beginning of October, but it is unclear if this problem is a recurrence of that ankle issue or a new injury.

Chelsea took the lead at Stamford Bridge with a Jorginho penalty after 87 minutes, but Varane's former Real Madrid team-mate Casemiro earned United a point with an equaliser four minutes into added time in west London.

Graham Potter's side stay fourth in the table, one point ahead of United in fifth after 11 games.