Manchester United could be without three key players when they take on AFC Bournemouth on Monday night due to the African Cup of Nations
Manchester United are yet to confirm whether Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui will be available for Monday’s night Premier League clash against AFC Bournemouth.
United have kept the availability of the trio under wraps ahead of the game at Old Trafford. All three players are set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next week, but there is no confirmed date for when they will leave England.
Monday has been set as the release date by FIFA for clubs to let players participating in the tournament link-up with thier teammates. However, with United’s game taking place on the same day, it has created confusion about their availability.
It’s understood that United have held talks with the federations of Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Morocco. “We are waiting until the last moment to have all the players available to choose the best team to start of game,” Amorim said on Friday. “I expect to have a decision today or maybe tomorrow.
“Every national team has their ideas about when they want the players. I don’t know if it’s going to be the same situation (with each player). It depends on the games.
“It’s frustrating but at the same time nobody knows who is going to play. So it’s a good thing, I think. We have players to cope with everything, and with a long week you can see a lot of things to prepare the game and any situation.”
Now, news of Mazraoui’s teammates’ availability could spell the end of any hope that United will have their three African players. Real Betis take on Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Monday night, and according to BBC Sport, they will be without Morocco pair Sofyan Amrabat and Abde Ezzalzouli.
Both players have been released to join up with their teammates ahead of the tournament, with it claimed that Amrabat is injured and Morocco have rejected pleas to let Ezzalzouli play.
No comment has been made on whether Morocco have done the same with Mazraoui. Clarity will be provided on the United trio when players arrive at Old Trafford on Monday evening.
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