Manchester United's Injury Woes Worsen as Mazraoui Exits Morocco Match
Defender Noussair Mazraoui is sidelined during international duty, adding to Manchester United's growing list of concerns after Bruno Fernandes' withdrawal from the Portugal squad.
Manchester United's injury concerns have mounted during the international break, with defender Noussair Mazraoui forced off during Morocco's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Lesotho on Tuesday night. The 2-0 victory for Morocco was marred for United by Mazraoui's apparent injury in the 68th minute when he landed awkwardly after a challenge and signaled discomfort to the bench.
Mazraoui's departure adds to a growing list of sidelined players for manager Michael Carrick. This latest setback comes just days after captain Bruno Fernandes was withdrawn from the Portugal squad due to what his manager, Jorge Jesus, described as a 'complicated' shin problem. Fernandes had reportedly been playing through pain for the last three games.
Prior to these international incidents, Manchester United were already managing absences for key first-team players Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Benjamin Sesko, and Patrick Dorgu. The extent of Mazraoui's injury remains unclear, but his early exit will leave Carrick anxiously awaiting an assessment.
Rashford and Mainoo were also forced to withdraw from their respective national squads last week after sustaining minor injuries during Manchester United's draw with Fulham. Carrick faces a challenging period upon the return of his international contingent, with crucial fixtures against Tottenham, Atletico Madrid, and Leeds United on the horizon in October.