MANCHESTER UNITED star Noussair Mazraoui could be back playing by the next international break, according to his Morocco manager.
The defender was taken off at half-time against Aston Villa last week after suffering heart palpitations.
He underwent a procedure and was expected to be out for a significant period – but he could be back sooner than expected.
Mazraoui, 26, will be sidelined for a few weeks as he recovers from surgery and he had to withdraw from the Morocco squad.
But a Man Utd source said the full-back has a “relatively common condition” so is expected to make a full recovery.
Morocco manager Walid Regragui also has an optimistic outlook and is hopeful to have Mazraoui available for selection at the next international break in November.
Regragui, whose side play Gabon on November 11, said: “Noussair Mazraoui is not suffering from a dangerous illness.
“We hope he will be with us in the next camp in November.”
Mazraoui has impressed since moving to Old Trafford in the summer and has been ever-present at right-back, making ten appearances.
Diogo Dalot could take his place but that would leave United short of a left-back, though Lindelof could continue to fill in at right-back.
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United will also be concerned over the fitness of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho as both were forced to withdraw from international duty.
Garnacho has been managing a knee issue which led to him being taken off in a match against Porto ten days ago.