AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Manchester United injury crisis deepens as Noussair Mazraoui hobbles off in Morocco win

Manchester United’s injury problems have taken another worrying turn after Noussair Mazraoui was forced off during Morocco’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho on Tuesday night.

Mazraoui became the latest United player to suffer an injury during the international break, leaving Michael Carrick facing another anxious wait over the fitness of an important first-team player.

The full-back appeared to hurt himself in the 68th minute of Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier when he dived into a challenge and landed awkwardly.

Mazraoui immediately signalled towards the Moroccan bench and appeared to be in considerable discomfort. He held his lower back as he attempted to sit upright before receiving treatment from the medical staff.

The defender was eventually unable to continue and was replaced by Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi.

The nature and severity of Mazraoui’s injury remain unclear, leaving United waiting for further medical assessments before determining whether he will be available when club football resumes.

Fernandes blow already hanging over United

Mazraoui’s setback comes just days after United captain Bruno Fernandes withdrew from Portugal’s squad ahead of their Nations League meeting with Norway.

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus described Fernandes’ shin problem as ‘complicated’, adding to the concerns surrounding the midfielder’s condition.

Fernandes’ withdrawal had already intensified the pressure on Carrick, who went into the international break dealing with a growing list of absentees.

The United manager was already without Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Dorgu before Fernandes became the latest significant name to join the injury list.

Mazraoui’s injury now threatens to further stretch United’s resources at full-back at a crucial stage of the season.

The Morocco international has provided defensive versatility for United and has been an option capable of operating across the backline. Any extended absence would therefore give Carrick another selection problem to solve.

Rashford and Mainoo also withdraw

United’s injury concerns had started before Fernandes’ withdrawal, with England duo Rashford and Mainoo both leaving Thomas Tuchel’s Nations League squad last week.

The pair picked up minor injuries during United’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Fulham immediately before the international break.

Their withdrawals reduced the number of United players available to England and added to Carrick’s concerns over the condition of his squad.

The timing has been particularly frustrating for United, with several key players now facing fitness questions after the club had hoped the international window would provide an opportunity for some players to recover.

United face anxious wait over Mazraoui

For now, United will have to wait for more information before knowing whether Mazraoui’s latest setback represents a short-term concern or something more serious.

His departure against Lesotho was particularly notable because it followed an awkward landing rather than a clear collision, with the defender visibly uncomfortable before being taken off.

Morocco’s victory ensured they continued their qualifying campaign with a positive result, but the night ended with another concern for United.

Carrick will now hope Mazraoui’s injury is minor and that the defender can return to Manchester without a prolonged absence.

With Fernandes already sidelined and Rashford, Mainoo, Amad, Sesko and Dorgu among those dealing with fitness issues, another lengthy lay-off would leave United with an increasingly depleted squad heading into the return of domestic action.