Man Utd dealt fresh injury concern as Noussair Mazraoui forced off in Morocco win
Manchester United were dealt another injury blow over the international break after Noussair Mazraoui was forced off during Morocco’s 2-0 win over Lesotho.
Mazraoui, who scored for his nation during their 2-0 win over Gabon on Friday, was named in the starting lineup again for their second AFCON qualifier.
However, the full-back was forced to make way after an awkward tangle with Lesotho midfielder Neo Mokhachane in the second half.
Mazraoui tumbled to the ground and was quickly seen grabbing his back, with teammates signalling to the bench that the 28-year-old could not continue.
The United defender was able to return to his feet before slowly making his way off the pitch to be replaced by Achraf Hakimi as Morocco saw out the victory.
Moroccan boss Mohamed Ouahbi provided no update on Mazraoui in his press conference, but United will hope the injury is not severe after what has been a injury-riddled international break for the Red Devils.
Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford both pulled out of England duty after picking up minor injuries during the 1-1 draw with Fulham.
Elsewhere, Patrick Dorgu returned to United after he sustained a hamstring injury during Denmark’s win over Wales in the Nations League.
Dorgu sat out from late January to late April with a similar injury, with Denmark head coach Brian Riemer telling broadcaster TV2 after the game: ‘He has an injury and has to go home. A new one has to be called in.’
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There is also a slight concern for United captain Bruno Fernandes after Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus said that Fernandes has been suffering from a ‘complicated problem’.
‘In the game against Wales, we went in with all the available players but Bruno Fernandes came off with a complicated problem,’ Jesus said during his press conference on Saturday.
‘We’ll see what happens until tomorrow. Experience tells me that on the third day not all players manage to recover but that’s the same for Norway as for us. However, the player who comes in gives as many guarantees as the one who might come off, that’s what I’ll base my decision on.
‘The medical team identified these two players as the most concerning, Nuno Mendes could be available for the game.
‘The other case [Fernandes] involves treatment and recovery time. He’s coming off an injury at United, and he told me he’s been playing with that pain for the last three games, which is hindering him.
‘It was one of the factors that prevented Bruno from playing at his best against Wales.’
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