Manchester United have had their misery compounded with the news that Noussair Mazraoui has pulled out of the upcoming Morocco squad due to injury.
The right-back was forced off at half time in their 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on Sunday, despite showing no signs of concern during the first 45 minutes.
Victor Lindelof came on to replace Mazraoui as Man United held onto their clean sheet, handing manager Erik ten Hag a brief reprieve as the pressure mounts on his future.
Mazraoui's withdrawal sees him become the third Man United to pull out of their respective national team setups this week with injury though, after Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.
Mazraoui to miss Morocco's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers
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Morocco face home and away clashes against the Central African Republic in qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations this month, but will have to do so without Mazraoui.
The Atlas Lions are in a strong position in the group after winning their opening two matches, and should be able to cover for the full-back's absence, but the recent injury will be negative news for his club.
Mazraoui has been a dependable option for Ten Hag so far this season at Old Trafford, starting all seven Premier League games, and also playing 90 minutes in their two Europa League fixtures against Twente and Porto.
No timescale has been placed on Mazraoui's setback, and the severity of the problem is still unknown, but Ten Hag will hope the Moroccan will have enough time over the international break to be ready for their clash against Brentford on October 19.
Mazraoui setback adds to Ten Hag concerns
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Just as United boss Ten Hag thought he was getting all of his squad back to full fitness, he has been hit with a quadruple blow following the draw at Villa Park.
Man United have a hectic schedule up until Christmas, playing twice a week almost entirely for the rest of 2024, thanks to their Europa League and EFL Cup commitments, so the under-fire manager will want as many first-choice players available to him as possible.
Mainoo and Garnacho's withdrawals will be of concern, while Harry Maguire, who was not called up by England, was also forced off against Aston Villa, and could be sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Any lengthy absence for Mazraoui will see Ten Hag seriously short on full-back options, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia already out of action at present.
Leny Yoro is also not yet ready to return, while Mason Mount suffered another setback after a nasty head collision against Tottenham Hotspur.
Andrew Delaney
