Avfc selection looms as Mazraoui trains with Manchester United
Noussair Mazraoui trained with the Manchester United squad at Carrington on Wednesday after limping off in the 85th minute of the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United, keeping him in contention for Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Aston Villa (14: 00 GMT (9: 00 am ET)); avfc now faces selection questions that affect Michael Carrick’s full-back choices.
Avfc selection implications for Carrick
Mazraoui’s presence in the main group while build-up continues to the Old Trafford assignment means he remains a selectable option for the Avfc fixture, a match the club frames as important in the fight for a top-four slot that would guarantee a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. The pattern suggests Carrick will have at least one more attacking full-back available for selection, which preserves tactical flexibility ahead of a fixture the context describes as a Premier League blockbuster.
Mazraoui fitness at Carrington
The Morocco international had left the pitch in the 85th minute after appearing to be hurt in a challenge with Joe Willock during the Newcastle defeat, with Tyrell Malacia replacing him that night; yet cameras at Carrington captured Mazraoui in the main training group on Wednesday. The figures point to a short recovery window rather than a prolonged layoff: he has played in six of seven games since returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty, and the Newcastle start was his first since AFCON, having operated on the right in that match and as a left-back after coming on for Luke Shaw in the Crystal Palace win.
Lisandro Martínez recovery rethink
Lisandro Martínez has suffered a fresh setback in training after picking up a calf strain last month and has missed United’s last three matches, a development that has caused the club to alter its approach to his recovery. The context states his absence has grown from a few days to over one month and that the club wants to avoid a repeat of the ongoing issue with Matthijs de Ligt, who has missed a long spell since a back problem in November; the depth picture is described as thin, with Harry Maguire partnering 20-year-old Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, 19, used as the primary deputy. The pattern points to a cautious rehabilitation plan for Martínez to limit the risk of extending his time on the sidelines and further stretching Carrick’s centre-back options.
For now, Mazraoui’s training appearance eases one immediate selection concern while Martínez’s evolving situation tightens another: if Carrick confirms Mazraoui is available in Friday’s press conference, the manager will retain a seasoned full-back option for the Avfc match, but if Martínez’s setback extends, Carrick’s centre-back rotation will remain under pressure.
Carrick is likely to provide a team news update in Friday’s press conference, the next confirmed development the context identifies that will clarify whether Mazraoui makes Sunday’s squad and how Martínez’s recovery is being managed.
