Manchester United full-back Noussair Mazraoui has just completed his heart surgery, football media reported October 10th. How is he now? Bongdalu shares important details. 

Successful Heart Surgery

Just when you thought soccer players are all about the brawns and the strength, and that getting sick is out of the picture. Aside from injuries that can inevitably and suddenly happen on the playing field, they may also suffer the usual health conditions that average people suffer from, such as in the case of Moroccan soccer player, Mazraoui.

After experiencing debilitating heart palpitations, Mazraoui had to be brought to the hospital to undergo a minor surgical procedure. The heart surgery has been successful, thank goodness. 

After being diagnosed with COVID-19, he suffered from inflammation of his heart tissues, a new chapter in his health history since he had never experienced this before, except for injuries he is having on the field. Let’s take a closer look.

The Diagnosis

A believer of Islam, Mazraoui is a professional soccer player born in the Netherlands. His position for Premier League’s Manchester United and the national team of Morocco is full-back. However, he is mainly a right-back, and has featured at both full-back playing positions at senior and international levels. 

Prior to joining Ajax’s youth academy, it is very interesting to note that he started his football journey as early as four years old at AVV Alphen, so it’s safe to say he’s relatively ahead of his peers in the sport. In 2016, he made his professional debut for Jong Ajax and for Eredivisie in 2018. During season 2018-2019, he had a magnificent year, scoring his first goals in the Champions League and being declared Ajax Talent of the Year, amongst other contenders, after helping the club get to the Champions League semi-finals and clinch the domestic double title. He has played key roles in Ajax’s triumphs. 

However, he had to move forward and take on greater heights. In 2022, he signed up for Bayern Munich, but this was also the start of his health challenges. In January 2023, he suffered from pericardium inflammation after getting diagnosed with COVID-19. But no major medical procedures were done yet. He was pretty much okay. In fact, in May 2023, he scored his first-ever goal for Bayern Munich. However, it was also during these times when he received backlash from the online community because of his stand in the Israel-Hamas conflict then. The matter was eventually resolved.

Few months ago, in August 2024, he joined Manchester United. But, his health challenges continue to haunt him. Let’s look at each one by one. 

Pericardium Inflammation 

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the inflammation of the pericardium, which the Muslim football player started suffering from in 2023, is officially known as pericarditis. It is the inflammation of the pericardium or the sac around the heart. The pericardium comprises two thin tissue layers with a tiny amount of fluid between them. This fluid works to prevent the layers from rubbing against each other, as well as causing friction. The pericardium is so important because it prevents the heart’s excessive dilatation. 

If left unchecked, this condition can be life-threatening. Some of the causes of pericarditis include viral or bacterial infections, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, injury, trauma to the chest, uremia – a kidney problem – medications, and cancer. One of these might have caused Mazraoui’s pericarditis, but no official media reports are available. 

The major symptoms of pericardium inflammation are:

• Sharp chest pain
• Palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the neck or shoulder
• Fever

Mazraoui reportedly experienced unbearable palpitations, so he had to be taken to the hospital for the surgery.

Palpitation

Meanwhile, here’s a quick closer look at palpitations. Palpitations are often the cause of serious heart health conditions. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, a worldwide partner during the COVID-19 pandemic, palpitations – skipped, extra, or irregular heartbeats – is an abnormality in heart rhythms, otherwise known as arrhythmia. Scientifically, palpitations happen when an electric signal fires at the wrong time from the wrong place, causing your heart to beat out of rhythm, usually faster. The most common cause is when you drink too much coffee.

However, palpitations are usually the symptom of a more alarming illness, such as that of the Moroccan football player. Aside from stress, anxiety, rigorous activity, too much fatigue, hormonal changes such as due to pregnancy and menstruation, low blood pressure, and caffeine, aging and medications are also the causes.

Well-Wishes Pour From The Fans

So far, there are no official updates whatsoever from Mazraoui about his surgery on his social media accounts, particularly on his Instagram and X. Thus, fans can only rely on media reports detailing updates.

Well-wishes from the community poured in after hearing he had undergone a surgery. @EnMaroc on X said, “We wish you a speedy recovery Noussair Mazraoui.”

@LFCUNLOCKED also wished him a speedy recovery, posting a photo of the football player. 

“Get well soon big man,” wrote @UTDGarnachoo.

However, some are more concerned about the action, such as @UTDXMancunian who asked what will happen next, thinking of the games’ progress. Well, they don’t have to worry too much because Mazraoui will be back shortly.

Mazraoui Is Returning To The Field Shortly

The surgery for Mazraoui has been successful, so fans don’t need to worry about complications and the like. With regard to his return to play, there are various speculations from the news media. Some are saying he’ll be out for a few months, while others are saying he will start playing again by the end of the month. But one thing is for sure, this health condition is just minor and he will be able to play again. 

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