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Man United's Timothy Fosu-Mensah praying for Ajax's Abdelhak Nouri

Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah has told BBC Sport he is praying for former Ajax and Netherlands teammate Abdelhak Nouri and plans to visit him when he has the opportunity.

Nouri, 20, suffered "severe and permanent brain damage" after collapsing during a preseason friendly game in Austria. Ajax said that doctors were "cautiously optimistic about his recovery" but he remains in hospital.

"I spoke to his brother Mohamed, and it's very difficult," Fosu-Mensah said. "I pray for him every day and I'm positive that he will be well.

"His brother goes to the hospital and checks him out but his brother was like when I have the time I have to visit him and that's what I'm going to do.

"It's difficult times for the family but also for me.

"I played with him since the age of eight. I know him in and out so it is very strange that this happens to someone who is so close to you.

"It's not easy for me but I'm here [on Manchester United's preseason tour] and I have to focus and every time when I can I have contact with his brother or with my teammates who I played with at Ajax."

When asked how Nouri's family were coping, Fosu-Mensah added: "They are definitely hurt, broken but these are strong people."

Fosu-Mensah has also posted several updates on his official Twitter account about Nouri. The most recent one read: "Thinking about u bro, praying everyday for u Appie."

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