Mazraoui limps off in Morocco friendly to cast doubt over World Cup opener against Brazil

Noussair Mazraoui’s World Cup could be in jeopardy after the Manchester United defender was forced off just 29 minutes into Morocco’s pre-tournament friendly against Norway at the Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sunday. The full-back appeared to suffer an arm or shoulder injury following a collision at a corner inside the opening 20 minutes before being replaced by Youssef Belammari.

The extent of the problem has not yet been confirmed, leaving Morocco’s coaching staff anxious ahead of their Group C opener against Brazil at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday evening.

The timing adds an unexpected subplot to what was already a notable club connection. Incoming United signing Ederson is set to be called up by Brazil as cover for the injured Wesley, meaning he could line up against his future club colleague in the group stage. Matheus Cunha, who will join Ederson at Old Trafford, is also in the Brazil squad.

Mazraoui had spoken openly about the intra-squad build-up to the fixture. “When you have time, we talk about the club, everything — this subject as well, especially with Cunha, because he’s probably going to play left or right winger,” he told the club’s official website. “If he’s on my side, then it’s 1v1, so it’s going to be fun.”

The 27-year-old also reflected on Morocco’s remarkable run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the weight of expectation that now follows the Atlas Lions into this tournament. “The expectations are bigger and it’s up to us to handle that kind of pressure and to show again that you can do the same thing that you did four years ago, and it’s not just luck,” he said. “I think that’s our biggest ambition for us.”

Whether Mazraoui will be fit to play any part in that ambition now hinges on the assessment of Morocco’s medical staff in the coming days.