Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has handed France coach Didier Deschamps a fitness boost.

Varane has been working his way back from injury for the past three weeks.

L'Equipe says the France staff still hope to start him against Australia next Tuesday.

"He is preparing as if he is going to play," said a source close to Varane today.

And for the moment, Deschamps is expecting to start Tuesday with Varane in his XI.