Morocco sweat over Noussair Mazraoui fitness ahead of Mali clash

Noussair Mazraoui is a doubt for Morocco’s match against Mali after the Manchester United defender was absent from videos showing the national team’s training session on Thursday.

Mazraoui was not seen in footage from the session, raising questions over his fitness ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Mali.

The defender was forced off during Morocco’s previous match against Lesotho after experiencing back pain. He left the pitch in the 69th minute following a sliding tackle, with the coaching staff opting to replace him to avoid aggravating the problem.

Medical examinations have since provided reassurance over Mazraoui’s condition. The tests confirmed that the defender had not suffered a serious injury.

However, his availability for the match against Mali will depend on how he responds physically in the coming days.

A final decision on whether Mazraoui will feature is expected to be made by Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi and the national team’s medical staff.

The absence of the Manchester United defender from Thursday’s training footage has therefore left some uncertainty over his involvement in Sunday’s match.

Morocco will continue their preparations before travelling to Tangier on Friday. The squad is expected to make the journey aboard Al Boraq as preparations continue for the meeting with Mali.

Mazraoui’s fitness will be monitored ahead of the match, with his participation ultimately depending on his physical condition and the assessment of the coaching and medical teams.

For now, medical examinations have ruled out a serious injury, but the decision on whether he can take part against Mali remains pending.