Manchester United’s summer signing, Noussair Mazraoui, has been diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia and is expected to be out of action for the next two months. This comes at a challenging time for the club, which is enduring its worst-ever start to a Premier League season, accumulating just eight points from seven games.

Mazraoui, who joined United for £17 million, has been a key player for manager Erik ten Hag, featuring in every Premier League match this season. Italian journalist Nicolo Schira confirmed the diagnosis, revealing that the heart condition, which disrupts the regular rhythm of heartbeats, requires immediate attention. Though serious, with proper management, cardiac arrhythmia can be controlled, allowing individuals to live normal lives, according to health experts.

The 26-year-old’s absence is a significant blow to United, as he has adjusted well to life at Old Trafford. His standout performances include an assist during United’s narrow 2-1 defeat to Brighton in August. However, this isn’t Mazraoui’s first experience with heart issues. In early 2023, while playing for Bayern Munich, he was diagnosed with heart tissue inflammation after recovering from COVID-19. This condition led him to miss Morocco’s World Cup quarter-final victory against Portugal.

ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal to Retire After Davis Cup Finals in November

Heart conditions have become a growing concern in football, affecting players like Mazraoui’s current teammate, Christian Eriksen, who suffered a cardiac arrest during Euro 2020. Eriksen returned to professional football with the aid of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Similarly, Sergio Aguero was forced to retire after being diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia while playing for Barcelona.

Unfortunately, not all outcomes have been as fortunate. In August 2024, 27-year-old Uruguayan player Juan Izquierdo tragically passed away after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match due to cardiac arrhythmia.

Mazraoui’s health will be carefully monitored during his recovery. His absence adds to Manchester United’s growing list of challenges this season, with other key players like £52 million signing Leny Yoro also sidelined since pre-season.