Raphael Varane’s Como debut gets off to worst start possible after just 20 minutes in Cesc Fabregas’ first match in charge
Raphael Varane lasted less than a half on his Como debut as he was hauled off with injury in his side's Coppa Italia first round defeat.
The 31-year-old recently linked up with the Serie A newcomers on a two-year deal following his release from Manchester United after three years.
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But his debut has gotten off to the worst start possible having picked up a suspected knee knock in Sunday night's clash away at Andrea Pirlo's Sampdoria, who won 4-3 on penalties after it finished 1-1 in normal time.
The former France international walked off the pitch alongside two Como physios in the 20th minute.
Como ultimately decided against Varane returning to action, leading him to be replaced by Edoardo Goldaniga at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris three minutes later.
Shortly afterwards, Varane was seen sitting in the dugout, where his left knee was heavily bandaged.
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Varane was no stranger to picking up injury setbacks during his three years at Old Trafford.
He never managed more than 24 Premier League appearances in each of his three seasons due to his repeated problems.
Since the start of the 2021/22 campaign, Varane has now picked up 12 separate injuries.
In that time, he has missed a total of 49 matches.
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The former Real Madrid centre-back was persuaded to link up with Como by ambitious manager Cesc Fabregas, who formally took charge of the club last month.
Revealing the crucial role the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder played in his free transfer, Varane said: "My personal ambition to come here was to come and take on a new challenge.
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"Cesc was certainly a very important person to convince me.
"It wasn't a very particular discussion per se, we talked about football.
"Very simply, I liked his philosophy of play. We have many ideas in common. Cesc obviously is a person who likes to win.
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"I never had plans to come and play here in Italy but in my career I always have to keep the doors open.
"The Italian league is growing, they are investing a lot of money and ambitions are very strong and high. It was a good time to come here for my career."
Meanwhile, Fabregas waxed lyrical over Varane's qualities, claiming he cannot wait to see him play.
The 2010 World Cup winner remarked: "Raphael is a special player and his signing is proof of the ambition we have for this club.
"He is highly decorated and the experience he brings in two of the best leagues in the world can not be underestimated.
"I can’t wait to start working with him.”
But he will now be sweating over Varane's fitness, as he hoped the defender will make a swift return.
Como kick off their first Serie A campaign in 21 years away at Juventus next Monday night.
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Elsewhere in the Coppa Italia, ex-Southampton ace Che Adams recorded an assist for Torino as they beat Cosenza 2-0.
Serie A sides Parma and Venezia were eliminated by Serie B teams Palermo and Brescia.
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Meanwhile Napoli needed penalties to get past Modena, which comes on the same weekend that striker Victor Osimhen handed in a transfer request.
"Victor Osimhen has asked to leave the club," director Giovanni Manna said. "He wants to go. The situation is clear, there were already chances for his exit last summer. Victor wants to leave. We will see in the next 20 days."
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