Raphaël Varane and William Saliba to start in three-man backline for France at World Cup | OneFootball

As first reported by  this afternoon, sources contacted by Get French Football News have confirmed that Manchester United’s Raphaël Varane will have recovered in time for the start of the World Cup.

The France vice-captain had picked up a thigh injury in a draw against Chelsea and was a doubt for Didier Deschamps’ squad, and FFF staff had visited the 29-year-old twice in the last two weeks.

Varane has nevertheless been on track in his recovery, having spent some time at Clairefontaine as well, and could return to full training with the Red Devils by next Monday – missing the last two domestic games before the break as a result.

Sources have also told GFFN that Les Bleus are heading for a 3-4-1-2 formation as the focus of the short time they have for preparation ahead of the tournament – the three-man backline will consist of Arsenal defender William Saliba, Varane, and Monaco man Benoît Badiashile.