Real Madrid: Raphael Varane could be out against Athletic Club

Real Madrid center back Raphael Varane may have suffered a concussion.

It wasn’t a pretty win by any means, but Real Madrid were able to defeat Getafe 1-0 on Thursday night at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano to extend their lead over FC Barcelona to four points after La Blaugrana’s 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid.

Real needed a penalty goal from Sergio Ramos, expertly won by right back Dani Carvajal, to prevail against another Madrid-based club. But their win may have come at a loss in another respect, as superstar center back Raphael Varane had to be substituted in the 32nd minute for backup Eder Militao.

While Militao acquitted himself decently well against Getafe for the second time this year, Varane may be missed against Athletic Club. He was subbed as a precautionary measure after suffering a possible concussion.

According to a report from Onda Cero, via @Ultra_Suristic, Varane is at home with the team’s head of medical services. The France national team captain is dealing with neck pain, so his status for this weekend’s game against Athletic Club is in doubt.

The match on Sunday is an early kickoff at 14:00 CET at San Mames, so Varane’s status will reportedly be in doubt until just a few hours before kickoff. That doesn’t bode well for his status, and it could mean that Militao will be asked to start across from Sergio Ramos, who has been in incredible form since La Liga’s return.

While Varane doesn’t have the goals like his center back partner, he’s also been wonderful since the return. Real Madrid drew with Bilbao 0-0 in December, so he could be missed. Eden Hazard should be able to play after missing the Getafe game as a precaution due to how frequently he’s been fouled, but the rest of the defense will need to step up if Varane can’t play.

We can only hope Varane isn’t concussed and recovers soon and fully. Keep a close eye on all news regarding his status.