Real Madrid could be about to butt heads with France after reports indicated that Raphael Varane is set to play against Germany on Tuesday – despite carrying a groin injury.

The defender was forced off at half-time in the 2-2 friendly draw with Iceland on Friday and did not complete a training session back in Clairefontaine on Saturday.

However, according to Le Parisien, France are still planning to play the 25-year-old in the UEFA Nations League clash with a struggling Germany on Tuesday.

That news will worry Julen Lopetegui, as the under-fire Los Blancos boss is already sweating over the fitness of the likes of Marcelo, Gareth Bale and Isco with the first El Clasico of the season on October 28 fast approaching.

Real’s problems in front of goal have been well documented but they can ill afford to lose their best defender after recent defeats to La Liga table-toppers Sevilla, CSKA Moscow and Alaves.