Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui has had a heart procedure following complaints of palpitations.
This comes after the £17 million signing from Bayern Munich had to leave the pitch at half-time during a goalless draw against Aston Villa.
Feeling unwell, he also opted out of international duty with Morocco this week.
Fortunately, club sources have clarified that the situation was not an emergency.
The minor corrective procedure was deemed successful, addressing a relatively common condition.
Recovery Timeline
Mazraoui is expected to recover fully and may be available for selection in just a few weeks.
This is a relief, especially considering earlier reports from Italy that speculated he could face a two-month layoff due to an irregular heartbeat.
The 26-year-old right-back has a history of health issues, having been sidelined for three months last year due to heart inflammation related to a COVID-19 infection.
Since joining United after the Community Shield in August, Mazraoui has reunited with his former Ajax coach, Erik ten Hag.
He has participated in all 10 games this season, starting in all but one match, the Carabao Cup win against Barnsley.
Teammate’s Health Concerns
Mazraoui’s situation highlights the ongoing concerns about heart health in football, especially among players.
His teammate, Christian Eriksen, was the first player in the Premier League to receive an implantable cardioverter defibrillator after suffering a cardiac arrest during a match for Denmark in 2021.
This trend is troubling, with other players like Sergio Aguero and Juan Izquierdo also experiencing serious heart issues.
Aguero, who was diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia during his first start for Barcelona in 2021, required immediate medical attention after feeling dizzy and short of breath during the match.
Initially told to rest, he later announced his retirement from football following further tests.
Tragically, Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo passed away in August after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match due to cardiac arrhythmia caused by a virus that affected his heart.
His mother revealed that doctors indicated the virus had lodged in his heart, leading to the incident during the high-paced match.
Impact on Manchester United
Mazraoui’s potential absence is a significant concern for Manchester United and Ten Hag.
The 26-year-old has seamlessly adapted to life in Manchester, contributing in all seven of the team’s Premier League matches so far, including an assist in their 2-1 defeat against Brighton in August.
As fans and teammates rally around him during his recovery, everyone is hopeful for his swift return to the pitch.