Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui came off injured for Morocco to give Michael Carrick yet another concern during the international break. Mazraoui, 28, went down holding his back following a challenge with Lesotho midfielder Neo Mokhachane during Morocco's 2-0 victory in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on Tuesday.
Third injury of the break
His team-mates signalled to the Moroccan bench that he couldn't continue and he was brought off in the 69th minute. Mazraoui, who scored in Morocco's 2-0 win against Gabon last Friday, was able to get back on his feet and slowly made his way off the pitch to be replaced by Achraf Hakimi.
The ex-Bayern Munich and Ajax star became the third player to suffer an injury while representing their country this month. Bruno Fernandes was ruled out of Portugal's clash with Norway on Sunday before Patrick Dorgu picked up a suspected hamstring injury while playing for Denmark.
More injury concerns
United captain Fernandes is understood to have played through pain in recent weeks but could return when Portugal face Dorgu's Denmark on Thursday. Prior to the international break, the trio of Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko pulled out of their respective country's squads because of injury.
Both Mainoo and Rashford started United's 1-1 draw away to Fulham, making them surprise absentees for England. Sesko, meanwhile, missed the match after suffering a setback on his recovery from a long-term shin problem.
Slovenia manager Bostjan Cesar explained to Planet Nagomet: "This isn't an easy time for Benjamin. He is going through a difficult period in his career, as we know he hasn't suffered many injuries in the past."
"It is an atypical injury that requires time to heal. The most important thing now is for Sesko to surround himself with people he trusts and believes in, and for everyone around him to remain positive."
"That is what he needs. He needs time, he needs good rehabilitation - and Slovenia needs him too, once he is fully healthy."
United's poor start
There's fortunately still another 11 days until United return to action. Carrick's side welcome Tottenham to Old Trafford looking to build on their woeful start to the season.
The Red Devils only collected five points from their opening five games in the Premier League and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the third round at home to Brighton.
Defence has been an issue for United, conceding 11 goals in seven games across all competitions. Their only clean sheet came in the 4-0 win against Champions League minnows Sabah, with Mazraoui playing the full 90 minutes.
