Noussair Mazraoui leaves Morocco squad early after injury

Noussair Mazraoui will miss Morocco’s friendly against Mali on Sunday after sustaining an injury in the 2-0 win over Lesotho.

The Manchester United defender did not take part in Thursday’s team training at the Mohammed VI Complex in Maamora and will return to his club on Friday, 2 October.

The Moroccan Football Federation said Mazraoui had been rested, but did not provide details about the nature or seriousness of the injury. His early departure from the Atlas Lions’ camp confirms he will not feature in Sunday’s match at the Grand Stade de Tanger.

Mazraoui was injured in the second half of Tuesday’s victory over Lesotho in Bloemfontein, in the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. After receiving treatment on the pitch, the 28-year-old was unable to continue and was replaced.

His condition will now be assessed by Manchester United’s medical staff, who will determine whether he faces any period on the sidelines.

The injury represents another setback for Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi before the final fixture of the international window. Mazraoui’s absence is expected to lead to a change at left-back against the Mali Eagles, with Anass Salah-Eddine the likely replacement.

The 24-year-old is a natural option in that position and has already been included in Morocco’s starting line-up in recent months.

The match against Mali will give Ouahbi another opportunity to test his squad after Morocco began September with two victories in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The Atlas Lions beat Gabon before following that result with Tuesday’s win against Lesotho.

Morocco had originally been scheduled to face Ghana in their final match of the international break. However, the Black Stars withdrew for internal reasons, allowing Mali to step in as replacements.

The friendly will take place on Sunday, 4 October, with kick-off at 18:00 GMT at the Grand Stade de Tanger.