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Manchester United duo Kobbie Mainoo and Noussair Mazraoui have withdrawn from the England and Morocco national teams respectively, as concerns over their fitness mount.
Mainoo was restored to the starting XI for United’s clash on Sunday against Aston Villa.
The midfielder travelled with the United squad to Portugal for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Porto, but he was not involved in the 3-3 draw due to an issue which he picked up against Tottenham Hotspur a few days before.
The Carrington academy graduate was on the pitch for 85 minutes vs. Villa before he was replaced by Casemiro.
Mainoo was the only United player called up by interim England boss Lee Carsley for the Three Lions’ upcoming clashes against Greece and Finland on Thursday and Sunday.
However, the 19-year-old will not be available to Carsley for selection as he has withdrawn from the squad with an injury.
Kobbie Mainoo, @EzriKonsa and @Morgangibbs27 have withdrawn from the #ThreeLions squad following injuries sustained over the weekend.
Speedy recovery, lads! 👊
— England (@England) October 7, 2024
He is not the only United star to withdraw from the national team, as summer signing and Morocco international Mazraoui has taken the same path.
Morocco boss Walid Regragui has called up Youssed Belammari to replace Mazraoui.
Mazraoui will miss Morocco’s two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Central African Republic.
🚨 السيد وليد الركراكي يستدعي يوسف بالعامري لتعويض نصير مزراوي المصاب ضد جمهورية إفريقيا الوسطى
Coach Mr. Walid Regragui has called up Youssef Belammari to replace Noussair Mazraoui for two matches against Central African Republic#DimaMaghrib 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/RC95AgaKgd
— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) October 7, 2024
The 26-year-old full-back was substituted at half-time at Villa Park. He was replaced by Victor Lindelof, who saw out the rest of the match at right-back.
After the full-time whistle, Erik ten Hag gave an update on Mazraoui and revealed that more details would be provided once he is subjected to a more thorough diagnosis.
Mazraoui has so far made 10 appearances for United across all competitions.
Earlier on Monday, it emerged that Alejandro Garnacho had withdrawn from the Argentina team with knee problems and now the winger has been joined by Mainoo and Mazraoui.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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2024-10-07 20:00:43
