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Manchester United’s summer signing Noussair Mazraoui is set to miss the next two months due to a diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia, according to reports.
The setback comes as the club grapples with their worst-ever start to a Premier League season, having secured just eight points from their opening seven matches.
Italian journalist Nicolo Schira reported that Mazraoui, a £17 million acquisition, has been diagnosed with the condition, which affects the regularity of heartbeats.
Cardiac arrhythmia can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or in an irregular pattern, but with proper diagnosis, many people can manage the condition and lead normal lives, according to the NHS.
The Daily Mail reports that Mazraoui’s absence is a blow for manager Erik ten Hag, as the 26-year-old had been a consistent presence in the squad, featuring in all of United’s Premier League matches this season.
His adjustment to life at Old Trafford has been smooth, with notable performances, including an assist during United’s 2-1 loss to Brighton in August.
This is not Mazraoui’s first encounter with heart-related health concerns. In January 2023, while playing for Bayern Munich, he was diagnosed with heart tissue inflammation following a bout of COVID-19.
The issue led him to miss Morocco’s World Cup quarter-final victory against Portugal, and subsequent tests revealed inflammation in his pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart.
Heart-related conditions have affected several high-profile footballers in recent years.
Mazraoui’s current teammate Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s Euro 2020 match against Finland. He later returned to professional football with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).
Similarly, Sergio Aguero was diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia in 2021 after experiencing chest pains while playing for Barcelona. The condition ultimately led the former Manchester City star to retire from the sport.
The issue of heart conditions in football has also seen more tragic outcomes. In August, 27-year-old Uruguayan player Juan Izquierdo passed away after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match due to cardiac arrhythmia.
Mazraoui’s situation will be closely monitored as he takes time off to recover. His absence adds to Manchester United’s growing list of challenges this season, including injuries to other key players like £52 million signing Leny Yoro, who has been sidelined since pre-season.
