AS FAR midfielder, Amine Zahzouh, has replaced Brahim Diaz in Morocco squad for the upcoming friendly games against Tunisia and Benin.
Diaz pulled out of the squad due to a muscle injury. Diaz started Madrid’s final league match against Real Sociedad but was forced off in the 55th minute.
Morocco team doctor Christophe Baudot confirmed the news on Tuesday, saying Diaz is continuing treatment at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.
“He won’t be ready in time for the Tunisia match,” said Baudot. “We’ll assess his progress ahead of the second game.”
Zahzouh scored 11 goals and provided 13 assists in 43 appearances, finishing the campaign as the Botola Pro’s top playmaker.
The 23-year-old was already training with Morocco’s local-based national team at Maâmora and joined the senior squad for Tuesday’s session.
Morocco are preparing for two friendlies in Fez against Tunisia on June 6, and Benin on June 9. The matches are part of the build-up to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.
His absence is a blow for Walid Regragui, who is already dealing with several injuries in the squad.
