Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has been forced to withdraw from Morocco’s squad for their September internationals due to injury. The 27-year-old will now return to United and begin his recovery. Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has called up Yahya Jabrane as a replacement for Amrabat in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Liberia and international friendly against Burkina Faso.
The exact nature of Amrabat’s injury is currently unclear, but The Athletic reported earlier this month that United detected a minor back injury when the player underwent a medical to complete his loan move to Old Trafford. This is not the first time Amrabat has struggled with his back, as he revealed earlier this year that he received pain-killing injections during Morocco’s World Cup campaign in order to play in the round of 16 defeat against Spain.
Amrabat was signed by Manchester United on transfer deadline day from Serie A club Fiorentina. The deal involves an initial €10 million loan fee, with a further €20 million option plus €5 million in add-ons. United is expected to cover the full salary for the duration of the loan. The midfielder has 49 caps for his country and impressed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he helped Morocco reach the semi-finals.
This injury setback is unfortunate for both Amrabat and Manchester United. The midfielder was expected to play a key role in United’s midfield this season, providing creativity and defensive stability. His absence will be felt, especially in important matches and competitions.
For Morocco, losing Amrabat is a blow to their squad depth and options in midfield. His experience and quality would have been valuable in their upcoming matches. However, Regragui has called up Jabrane as a replacement, and it will be interesting to see how he performs in Amrabat’s absence.
Injuries are an unfortunate part of football, and players and clubs must deal with them as best as they can. Amrabat’s back injury seems to be an ongoing issue, and it will be important for him to undergo proper treatment and rehabilitation to ensure a full recovery. Manchester United’s medical staff will likely work closely with him to address the underlying causes of the injury and prevent future recurrences.
In the meantime, United will have to rely on their other midfield options to fill the void left by Amrabat’s absence. The likes of Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, and Scott McTominay will need to step up and take on additional responsibilities. This could also provide an opportunity for younger players to showcase their talents and make a case for more playing time.
As for Morocco, they will have to adapt their game plan without Amrabat in the squad. Regragui will need to find alternative solutions and strategies to compensate for the midfielder’s absence. This could involve tactical adjustments or giving other players a chance to shine in his position.
Overall, injuries are always unfortunate, but they are a part of football. Sofyan Amrabat’s withdrawal from Morocco’s squad is a setback for both him and Manchester United. However, it presents an opportunity for other players to step up and prove their worth. It will be interesting to see how both Amrabat and his club handle his recovery process and when he will be able to return to action. In the meantime, fans will eagerly await updates on his progress and hope for a speedy recovery.