Casablanca – Noussair Mazraoui has departed from the Moroccan national team's camp and is set to return to Manchester United following an injury sustained during the Atlas Lions' 2-0 victory over Lesotho. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has confirmed that Mazraoui did not participate in Thursday’s training session held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maamoura and will head back to his club on Friday.
In an official update, the federation stated, "The Moroccan international will rejoin his club on Friday," confirming that Mazraoui will not be available for the upcoming friendly match against Mali scheduled for Sunday at the Grand Stade de Tanger. The decision to send him back to Manchester appears to be a precautionary measure rather than a response to a significant injury issue.
According to reports from Moroccan sports outlet Almountakhab, medical examinations have provided reassurance to head coach Mohamed Ouahbi and the national team’s medical staff after Mazraoui reported experiencing back pain following a sliding challenge in the match against Lesotho. The injury has been assessed without significant concern; however, Ouahbi chose to prioritize the player's health by allowing him to return to Manchester, where he can continue his recovery ahead of United's club commitments.
Mazraoui exited Tuesday’s match in the 69th minute, with Achraf Hakimi taking his place on the field. Manchester United also acknowledged the injury post-match, highlighting Mazraoui's strong performance prior to his early departure. The team is scheduled to return to Premier League action against Tottenham at Old Trafford on October 10, providing the medical staff ample time to evaluate Mazraoui’s condition following his return from international duty.
Fans Weigh In on Mazraoui’s International Performance
The injury has abruptly concluded an international window that reignited discussions about the disparity between Mazraoui’s form for Morocco and his contributions at Manchester United. The 28-year-old defender made headlines by scoring the opening goal in Morocco’s 2-0 win over Gabon during their first AFCON 2027 qualifier, a remarkable strike that came from outside the penalty area and marked his first international goal since October 2020.
His impressive performance quickly garnered attention from United supporters online, with one comment asking, "How do we unlock this version at Man Utd?" Others expressed curiosity about why Mazraoui has struggled to maintain the same level of influence consistently in club football, attributing it partly to his limited run of starts and varying tactical roles at United. However, not all fans concurred with this viewpoint, as some pointed out the differences in pace and quality between international football and the Premier League, while others suggested that Gabon’s goalkeeper could have handled Mazraoui’s strike more effectively.
This season has been challenging for Mazraoui, as he has yet to secure a regular spot in Michael Carrick’s starting eleven. He entered the international break with minimal minutes in the Premier League but showcased his abilities with two significant performances for Morocco, including the goal against Gabon and a solid showing against Lesotho. Fortunately, the immediate concern regarding his injury seems to be resolved, as medical assessments have alleviated fears of a serious condition, allowing Mazraoui to focus on recovery back in Manchester.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
