Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has provided an injury update ahead of Sunday’s high-profile Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield, revealing right-back Nousser Mazraoui could miss the game.
The Red Devils return from international break and need to perform well to maintain momentum in the domestic campaign, but fitness concerns have complicated their preparations.
While there is optimism about Lisandro Martinez’s recovery, Amorim admitted Mazraoui’s availability remains uncertain as United prepare for one of their toughest games of the season.
Nousser Mazraoui doubtful to feature for Manchester United this weekend
The Moroccan full-back has been a key part of Amorim’s plans this season, providing solid defense and attacking support on the right flank.
However, he is doubtful to feature this weekend after missing United’s last two games and having to withdraw from international duty due to fitness issues.
Mazraoui’s last appearance came in a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford in September, when he was substituted at the end of the game. He has since worked to regain full fitness, but Amorim admitted he was unsure whether the 27-year-old would be fit for the trip to Anfield.
Amorim said ahead of the game against Liverpool, as reported by Man United’s official website:
“Richa (Martinez) is almost there, he’s going back to training with the team. Mazrawi, I don’t know.”
Martinez’s return will be a welcome boost for United, as the Argentine centre-back has been sidelined since February with a ruptured ACL.
He has accelerated his recovery recently and is targeting a return in November, which would greatly strengthen United’s defensive options ahead of a busy winter period.
There was more positive news elsewhere in the squad as Amorim confirmed that all players on international duty should be considered for selection.
With several star players traveling long distances, including some who played in Japan, the manager and staff have carefully managed their workload to ensure maximum freshness for the game against Liverpool.
Amorim has no other injury concerns.
“The rest of the national team players are ready.” Amorim said.
“But if you look at the game, some players were in Japan, so we have to be careful and give them more time. Diogo (Dalot) didn’t play in the last game, but he was here. Bruno (Fernandes) played 62 minutes. We tried to give him another day. We tried to balance everything to get the players ready.”
United’s trip to Anfield is shaping up to be a pivotal game of the season, but the uncertainty over Mazraoui’s fitness could leave Amorim struggling with his choice of right-back.
The Moroccan’s absence will be a blow, especially considering Liverpool’s attacking power in the wings.
However, the potential return of Lisandro Martinez in the coming weeks and the availability of the rest of the squad gives reason for optimism.
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