Fears Grow for Mazraoui, Aguerd, and Ezzalzouli as Injury Woes Hit Moroccan Trio
Injuries have ruined the prospects of three Moroccan internationals – Noussair Mazraoui, Nayef Aguerd, and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli – just weeks ahead of two crucial World Cup qualifiers against Niger and Tanzania.
Manchester United's Mazraoui was forced off during the club's 2-2 draw against Everton at the weekend.
Mazraoui reportedly 'complained of discomfort in his right knee' in the 70th minute, prompting Amorim to abolish his initial plans of replacing Matthijs de Ligt with Leny Yoro by withdrawing the Moroccan instead.
The 27-year-old is set to undergo further medical assessments today to determine if he'll be fit to face Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
🚨 Noussair Mazraoui picked up a knee injury yesterday at Goodison Park. He is set to undergo further tests on Monday before a decision is made on whether he can play against Ipswich this Wednesday. [@RobDawsonESPN] #mufc pic.twitter.com/99iMJacvYR
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) February 23, 2025
United is already in a dire injury crisis, with Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, and Lisandro Martinez all nursing long-term injuries. Losing Mazraoui would be yet another blow to Amorim's plans.
Things aren't looking much better either for Moroccan centre-back Nayef Aguerd.
The 28-year-old was taken off in the first half of Real Sociedad's 1-0 win over Leganes after suffering a muscle strain in the 32nd minute. Aguerd will go through scans today to assess the extent of the damage and determine how long the injury will keep him in the treatment room. However, he is definitely set to miss the next match against FC Barcelona anyway after accumulating five yellow cards, and their midweek Copa del Ry clash with Real Madrid due to injury
🚨 Blessure pour Nayef Aguerd !
Espérons rien de grave InchaAllah 🤲🏽 pic.twitter.com/pJLU6DCQp1
— SOCCER212 (@SCCR_212) February 23, 2025
Meanwhile, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli's injury woes continue to remain a mystery. The wide man was absent from Real Betis' dramatic win over Getafe, leaving many pundits to question the reason behind his absence, especially as no official details have been released as yet.
Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini confirmed Ezzalzouli had sustained a blow in the build-up to the match, but the specifics remain unclear, with further updates expected soon. The winger's fitness will be crucial to Betis' hopes of finishing the season strongly.
With just weeks until the March international break, the fitness of these three key players is now in serious doubt.
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