Solskjaer delivers injury update for Raphael Varane ahead of Manchester Derby

• Raphael Varane is unlikely to feature for Man United during the Manchester derby
• The Frenchman hobbled off with a hamstring strain while in action against Atalanta
• Solskjaer could be forced to pair Eric Bailly with Maguire at the heart of his defence

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been dealt with a massive injury blow after Raphael Varane picked a hamstring problem during Man United's Champion League encounter against Atalanta.

Varane had just returned from another injury setback that kept him on the sidelines against Liverpool in October.

But having shown significant improvement, he was drafted in a back three of Eric Bailly and Harry Maguire as United took on Atalanta away in Italy.

However, the Frenchman could only last for about 45 minutes as he had to be withdrawn after hobbling off shortly before the break.

The World Cup-winning star headed straight down the tunnel and he is now a major doubt for his side's meeting with rivals Man City in the Manchester derby.

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Speaking on the situation, Solskjaer divulged the centre-back sustained a hamstring strain, adding he will be assessed before a decision is made on him featuring against City.

"He felt his hamstring. So of course you can’t take any risks, unfortunately," Metro UK quoted Ole saying.

"Rafa has been such a calming influence when he’s on the pitch. We lost him but that’s football. We will have to have a look at him tomorrow but the first assessment doesn’t look good," the Norwegian added.

Man United snatches point at Atalanta

Meanwhile, the Red Devils had to rely on a Cristiano Ronaldo double to earn a vital point in Group F of their Champions League clash.

Josip Ilicic scored the opener for the hosts in the 12th minute before Ronaldo equalised for United on the stroke of halftime.

YEN.com.gh reported Duvan Zapata restored Atalanta's lead just 10 minutes after the break, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner making it 2-2 at the death.

The result saw Ole's men maintain their place on the top of the pool with seven points as they push to secure qualification for the next round.