The time of amicable arrangements seems to be over between European clubs and African selections. While Manchester United tried to force the hand of the Moroccan Football Federation to keep Noussair Mazraoui during a crucial Premier League match, the world body has cut short. The complaint of the Red Devils was rejected, recalling the absolute primacy of the regulations on the eve of the CAN.
The Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), which will take place in Morocco from December 21 to January 18, will deprive Manchester United of some key players, including Noussair Mazraoui . Rúben Amorim, the English club’s coach, is having trouble releasing the Moroccan international before the start of the competition.
Absent from the pitch since September 20, Noussair Mazraoui, the Moroccan full-back of Manchester United, could make his return on Sunday against Liverpool at Anfield, in the Premier League.
Moroccan international Noussair Mazraoui is at risk of starting the match against Brentford scheduled for Saturday on the bench. He was absent from Manchester United’s training and it was the young Sam Mather who took his place.
In an interview, Manchester United’s versatile player Noussair Mazraoui addresses several topics, including his first season in the Premier League and the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026 in Morocco.
Already absent at the start of the season against Arsenal due to injury, the Moroccan defender of Manchester United, Noussair Mazraoui , will also miss the match against Fulham scheduled for Sunday in the Premier League. This prolonged absence of the Atlas Lion raises concerns on the Moroccan national team side, which is preparing for decisive World Cup 2026 qualifying matches.
The Atlas Lions will have to do without Noussair Mazraoui during the friendly matches against Benin and Tunisia, scheduled for June. The Manchester United right-back has just suffered an injury that could keep him off the field for a long period.
Moroccan international Noussair Mazraoui had to hastily leave Old Trafford stadium during the Europa League quarter-final second leg between Manchester United and Olympique Lyonnais. The cause is unknown.
Former Moroccan captain Romain Saïss, player for Al Sadd, has expressed his desire to return to the national team, stating he "still has a lot to offer" despite a recent injury that kept him out of the last gathering.
Due to injuries, several players could miss Morocco’s matches scheduled in March against Niger and Tanzania, counting towards the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Absences that force the national coach, Walid Regragui, to make rearrangements, particularly in defense.
Uncertainty surrounds the participation of Moroccan right-back Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United in the match against Ipswich Town, scheduled for Wednesday at Old Trafford.
Moroccan international Noussair Mazraoui is at the center of a controversy. Last Sunday, before the Premier League match against Everton, the 27-year-old player is said to have refused to wear a rainbow-colored jacket. This garment, sponsored by Adidas, was intended as a symbol of support for the LGBTQ+ community.