Mazraoui's injury adds to United's woes ahead of Tottenham
Manchester United right‑back Noussair Mazraoui was forced off in the 69th minute of Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Lesotho on Tuesday, after sliding into a tackle and clutching his lower back, leaving the 28‑year‑old unable to continue for his team.
The Atlas Lions were 1-0 up when the incident occurred, and Mazraoui was seen holding his lower back before signalling to the bench that he could not carry on. The injury happened in Bloemfontein, South Africa, and the moment was captured by Getty. No further details on the extent of the knock have been released.
United's injury list grows
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick will be hoping for positive news after what has been described as a brutal international break for the club. The Red Devils are already coping with Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford withdrawing from the England squad after knocks in a 1-1 draw at Fulham, while captain Bruno Fernandes missed Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway due to a separate injury. Patrick Dorgu also returned to the club after a suspected hamstring problem suffered while representing Denmark against Wales.
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These setbacks come as United struggle for form, having secured only one victory in five league matches this season and failing to win any of their last five games across all competitions. Their sole league triumph was a 5-2 win over Ipswich, and they also recorded a 4-0 Champions League victory over Azerbaijani side FK Sabah.
Upcoming fixtures test depth
United currently sit 12th in the Premier League, leaving Carrick under pressure as the club prepares for a return to action next month. Their next league test is against Tottenham after the international break, followed by fixtures with Atletico Madrid, Leeds United, Como, Bournemouth and Chelsea.
United suffer blow as Mazraoui exits, after Bruno quits Portugal
The side’s cup run ended with a 3-2 loss to Brighton in the Carabao Cup, despite having led 2-0 at one stage. The combination of injuries and a poor run of results underscores the urgency for key players to recover before the demanding schedule ahead.