Varane's return to the starting eleven came for the Granada game as a stand in for Pepe. His appearances with the team this season have, in the main, coincided with the widespread spate of injuries in 2015. The Frenchman was not at peak fitness but Carlo Ancelotti is factoring him into his plans for the decisive stage of the campaign, aware that the two heavy-weight centre-backs he has in Sergio Ramos and Pepe may not be enough against what lies ahead, with key matches both in La Liga and Champions League.
"I'm still improving at Real Madrid. I've played more games this year than in any other since I arrived". Comments from Raphael Varane when asked about his status at the club during his recent stint with France, shortly before starting for his national side against Brazil. The French player is, in fact, right - even if he is seeking solace in the statistics. Despite not being included in the starting line up this season, he has already played 35 games, two more than in the entire 2012-2013 campaign under José Mourinho.
