Man Utd defender Noussair Mazraoui could face Arsenal this weekend despite being given permission to have extra time off after the African Cup of Nations.
Mazraoui’s Morocco lost the final to Senegal on Sunday, and the Manchester Evening News report that the fullback is not expected to be back at Carrington before the end of the week.
Even so, with the clash at the Emirates taking place on Sunday evening, it may still give Mazraoui sufficient time to prove his fitness.
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The 29-year-old played regularly for his country at AFCON, so there shouldn’t be any issue with him making the matchday squad, unless he has picked up an injury of some kind.
Carrick will welcome Mazraoui back to the fold
While Diogo Dalot put in a decent performance in the Manchester derby last weekend, most supporters would agree that Mazraoui would be the best choice for the right-back position.
On Sunday, Arsenal will likely select either Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard on that flank, so head coach Michael Carrick will want someone on that side who is dependable defensively.
Out of the two, you would think Mazraoui would be a better option than Dalot, but due to his late return, there is a chance that the Moroccan international may only be fit for the bench anyway.
More Man Utd injury news
Matthijs de Ligt is a doubt for the match against the Gunners. The Dutchman has been suffering from a back problem since the end of November.
His recovery has been slower than anticipated, and there has been no indication so far that he is close to making his comeback.
De Ligt last featured in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, and he has missed the last 10 games in all competitions.
Joshua Zirkzee has been ruled out of contention, having picked up a knock in the defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup.
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