Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted he is unsure whether Noussair Mazraoui will be fit to feature before the upcoming international break. The Moroccan full-back has not played since limping off in the first half of United’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on the final day of last season.
Softfootball understands that while Mazraoui has been edging closer to full fitness, the club are determined not to rush him back into action. The defender missed the pre-season tour of Asia and was included in squads for friendlies in Sweden and the United States, but did not feature in any of the matches.
Speaking via the club’s official website, Amorim provided an update on the player’s progress, saying:
“No, maybe he is going to return next week, we will see,”
“But he’s near, we are just finishing some drills with him to be sure that he’s not going to have another problem.”
The manager’s words suggests that Mazraoui is unlikely to feature in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Grimsby Town. United are to face Burnley in the Premier League less than 72 hours later, and the coaching staff are looking at how best to manage minutes across the squad.
Softfootball also understands that Lisandro Martinez remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a long-term knee injury. However,new striker Benjamin Sesko pushing for a starting berth after lively cameos against Arsenal and Fulham. Andre Onana also returned to the squad last weekend, while Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee are also eager to make their first competitive appearances of the new season.
