Man Utd star Noussair Mazraoui forced off just 29 minutes into Morocco’s final World Cup warm-up before facing Brazil

NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI has suffered an injury scare just DAYS before Morocco’s World Cup opener.

The Atlas Lions are due to face Brazil on June 13 but Mazraoui could be in a race against time to be fit for kick-off after coming off in their final warm-up fixture.

The Manchester United utility man, 28, started Sunday’s friendly against Norway and would be expected to play a prominent role for Morocco at the World Cup.

But he was brought off in the 29th minute after feeling some discomfort and chatting with medics.

It is not clear whether Mazraoui felt something serious or if he was withdrawn as a precaution.

The former Ajax and Bayern Munich star, who can play at full-back or in midfield, has scored twice in 43 appearances for his national team.

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He helped them reach the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 and then win Afcon last year.

Mazraoui was taken to Old Trafford by Erik ten Hag in 2024 and made 57 appearances in his debut season.

But he fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim and then Michael Carrick last campaign, playing just 20 times across all competitions.

Morocco also suffered a second injury scare during the Norway game, with Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli forced off at half time after colliding with team-mate Chadi Riad.

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The friendly in New Jersey finished 1-1 with Brahim Diaz opening the scoring and Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard equalising for Norway in the 75th minute.

Next up for Morocco is Brazil before subsequent Group C games against Scotland and Haiti.

Morocco boss Mohamed Ouahbi would be allowed to call up a single injury replacement if Mazraoui or Ezzalzouli are ruled out of the tournament.

But they must have featured in his 55-man provisional squad and be called up before the cut-off point, which is 24 hours before their opening game.