Hakim Ziyech is expected to miss Wydad Casablanca’s CAF Confederation Cup trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the club opting for caution only days after the midfielder’s long-awaited return to competitive action.
The Moroccan international is not expected to travel for Sunday’s Group B encounter against Maniema Union, with Wydad’s coaching staff deciding to keep him in Casablanca as a purely preventive measure.
The choice reflects concerns over the playing conditions rather than any fresh injury issue.
According to information relayed by the Wydad Red Castle account, the decision is linked to the artificial surface on which the second leg will be played.
Club officials believe the pitch presents an unnecessary risk for a player who has just resumed match action after an eight-month absence.
Ziyech made his debut for Wydad last Sunday in the first meeting with Maniema Union, featuring for 76 minutes in Casablanca as his side secured a narrow 1-0 victory.
His appearance marked a significant milestone following months away from competitive football, but the club has remained cautious in managing his workload.
Wydad’s technical staff are keen to avoid any muscular or joint setback as Ziyech gradually regains match fitness and rhythm. Internally, the strategy has been to prioritise his long-term availability rather than rush him into demanding conditions so early in his return.
Despite Ziyech’s likely absence, Sunday’s match carries considerable importance. Wydad will travel to Lubumbashi on 1 February to face Maniema Union at the Frédéric-Kibassa-Maliba Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 14:00 Moroccan time.
The Congolese side has been forced to stage the fixture away from Kindu due to the lack of a CAF-approved stadium in Maniema province.
From a sporting perspective, the stakes are high for the Moroccan club. Wydad currently sit top of Group B and could secure qualification for the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup with another victory.
That position has further reinforced the decision to protect Ziyech, ensuring he is fully fit for the decisive stages of the competition.
While he is expected to miss the journey to DR Congo, Ziyech is likely to feature more prominently in upcoming matches, particularly those played in Casablanca or on natural grass.
His return is being handled step by step, reflecting both his importance to Wydad and the club’s determination to avoid a premature comeback.
