Noussair Mazraoui among several Manchester United players missing against Atletico Madrid

Manchester United will be without several key players for their Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid, with Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui among those unavailable for the European fixture.

The growing list of absentees presents a selection challenge for Michael Carrick’s coaching staff, who must find a way to assemble a competitive team despite missing players across defence, midfield and attack.

Mazraoui’s absence is a setback for Manchester United, particularly on the right side of their defence. The Morocco international is sidelined with an injury, leaving the club with fewer options in that position as they prepare for the trip to Spain.

The defensive problems do not end there. Dutch centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is unavailable because of a back injury, while Danish defender Patrick Dorgu is also ruled out with a hamstring problem.

Luke Shaw is another player missing from the squad, further limiting Manchester United’s defensive choices ahead of the important Champions League encounter.

The number of unavailable players means Carrick’s coaching staff will have to manage their remaining options carefully as they prepare for a demanding European test.

The absence of several defenders could make team selection particularly difficult, with the coaching staff needing to consider the available alternatives.

Manchester United’s problems also extend into midfield, where Manuel Ugarte is being rested because of a knee injury. Young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is also unavailable, reducing the team’s options in the middle of the pitch.

The two absences leave Manchester United with fewer choices as they look to find the right balance between defensive protection and attacking support. Their availability problems could also affect the flexibility of the coaching staff when considering changes during the match.

In attack, Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško has been ruled out with a leg injury. His absence adds to the challenges facing Manchester United as they prepare for the meeting with Atletico Madrid.

With important players missing in several areas, the English side face a difficult task in preparing for the Champions League fixture. The injury situation leaves Carrick and his staff with fewer options when deciding on their starting line-up and the players who could make an impact from the bench.

Mazraoui’s absence is particularly notable given the number of other defensive players unavailable, while the midfield and attacking setbacks further complicate the selection process.

Manchester United will therefore have to work with their available players as they prepare for the European encounter, with the coaching staff facing the challenge of putting together a side capable of competing despite the significant number of absentees.