Raphael Varane endured a nightmare debut for Como after being withdrawn due to an injury in the first-half. 

The World Cup winner joined the Italian side as a free agent after his contract with Manchester United expired this summer, becoming the club’s fourteenth signing of the window as they prepare for life back in the top flight after a 21-year absence.

The 31-year-old made 95 appearances for United before announcing his decision to leave in May this year.

The Frenchman would've been hoping for a fresh start with the Italian side however he was dealt a brutal setback after picking up an injury. 

During Como's Coppa Italia clash with Sampdoria, which they eventually lost 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw after extra-time, Varane limped off after just 20 minutes.

Via a post on X, the central defender was later seen nursing his leg in the dugout, with an ice pack placed firmly on top as he stretched it out

The severity of Varane's injury and whether it will rule him out are still unknown. 

Recently, Varane hailed the importance of Cesc Fabregas in convincing him to take the leap to join Serie A new boys Como.

‘My personal ambition to come here was to come and take on a new challenge. Cesc was certainly a very important person to convince me,’ Varane said at his unveiling this week.

‘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.

‘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.’

Varane’s last game in a United shirt saw him lift the FA Cup as he started the 2-1 victory over Man City at Wembley.

And the defender insists there are plenty lessons he can take from his time in England into his new adventure.

‘I learnt a lot in England,’ he said. ‘The style was very different compared to the Spanish, one which was more direct. 

'The speed of the game was much higher and there were situations where you had to think and react very quickly and adapt to this very high tempo, which will certainly help in Italy.’