Manchester United have had a frustrating international break with a couple of untimely injuries.
Versatile left-back Patrick Dorgu picked up a hamstring injury on Denmark duty against Wales on Sunday and has subsequently returned to Manchester for further medical tests.
The club have now suffered another setback with Noussair Mazraoui picking up a lower back concern. The Moroccan ace was visibly in pain before his substitution against Lesotho.
This has left United with a potential void in the left-back department. Luke Shaw is an undisputed starter in the role when fit, but he has had plenty of injury troubles in his long career.
The Englishman stayed unscathed throughout last season with only league football to focus on, but with the extra European workload, his minutes may need to be managed to keep him fit.
Mazraoui has shown with Morocco that he is very comfortable as a makeshift left-back, but United now won’t be able to rely on his services or Dorgu, who are both on the sidelines.
Judging by the initial reactions, the pair could be out of action for some period of time.
This could be a blessing in disguise for club graduate Harry Amass, who came close to leaving United over the summer. The youngster was touted to leave for just £6 million.
Amass has since been reintegrated into the squad and made his first appearance of the season as a substitute during the 4-0 win over Sabah FK in the Champions League.
The 19-year-old has not made the matchday squad in the Premier League this term, but could be involved when United host Tottenham Hotspur on the 10th of October.
Shaw will certainly be the starting left-back against Spurs, but Amass could get minutes off the bench.
The wonderkid could also get into the starting XI, given United have a hectic schedule coming up with eight matches in 29 days, which represents a game almost every fourth day.
Shaw’s long injury record and fitness concerns mean Amass could get a surprise starting chance under manager Michael Carrick. The onus is on him to impress and earn more minutes if Dorgu and Mazraoui are sidelined for long.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
