Morocco defender Noussair Mazraoui returns to Manchester United after injury

Morocco defender Noussair Mazraoui has left the Atlas Lions’ camp and returned to Manchester United after suffering an injury during their 2-0 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying win over Lesotho.

The 28-year-old missed Morocco’s training session on Thursday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maamoura and was due to return to Manchester on Friday.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) confirmed that Mazraoui would not feature in Sunday’s friendly against Mali at the Grand Stade de Tanger.

“The Moroccan international will rejoin his club on Friday,” the federation said.

The decision appears to have been taken as a precaution rather than because of a serious injury.

Mazraoui suffers back pain after Lesotho challenge

According to Moroccan sports outlet Almountakhab, medical examinations eased concerns after Mazraoui complained of back pain following a sliding challenge during the Lesotho match.

The report said there was no significant concern over the injury, but Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi decided not to take any unnecessary risks with the Manchester United defender.

Mazraoui was replaced by Achraf Hakimi in the 69th minute of Tuesday’s match after producing another influential display for Morocco.

Manchester United also acknowledged the injury following the game and praised the defender’s performance before he was forced off.

The Premier League side will face Tottenham at Old Trafford on 10 October, giving Mazraoui and the club’s medical team time to assess his condition before United return to action.

Morocco form renews debate among Manchester United supporters

Mazraoui’s injury comes after an impressive international window that has again highlighted the difference in his performances for Morocco and his role at Manchester United.

The defender scored Morocco’s opening goal in their 2-0 victory over Gabon in their first AFCON 2027 qualifier, advancing from left-back before finding the net with a strike from outside the penalty area.

It was his first international goal since October 2020 and prompted considerable discussion among Manchester United supporters.

One reaction to his goal asked, “How do we unlock this version at Man Utd?” while other supporters questioned why Mazraoui has struggled to produce the same influence consistently at club level.

Some fans attributed the difference to his limited run of consecutive starts and the different tactical responsibilities he has been given at United.

Others argued that the level and style of international opposition can make direct comparisons difficult, while some pointed to the role of the Gabon goalkeeper in allowing Mazraoui’s effort to find the net.

Mazraoui awaits further assessment in Manchester

Mazraoui has yet to establish himself as a regular starter in Michael Carrick’s Manchester United side this season and entered the international break with limited Premier League minutes.

His two performances for Morocco, however, provided a timely reminder of his attacking influence, with the defender scoring against Gabon before producing another positive display against Lesotho.

For now, the focus is on his recovery in Manchester after medical assessments eased fears of a serious injury.

Mazraoui will miss Morocco’s friendly against Mali but is expected to have several days with United’s medical staff before the club’s next Premier League fixture.