El Kaabi ruled out of Morocco return after serious injury in Olympiacos draw

Ayoub El Kaabi has been ruled out of Morocco’s next international fixtures after suffering a serious left-leg injury while playing for Olympiacos against Volos.

The 33-year-old striker was hurt during Saturday’s 1-1 draw in the third round of the Greek league. He challenged the opposing goalkeeper for a through ball shortly before half-time, reaching the ball first before the goalkeeper landed heavily on his left leg.

El Kaabi immediately showed considerable pain. Medical staff came on to treat him before he was carried from the pitch on a stretcher, with the crowd applauding as he left the field. He was then taken to hospital.

Television images appeared to show the forward’s tibia fractured and bent, although the source article does not provide a detailed official medical diagnosis.

The injury came at a particularly difficult moment for El Kaabi, who has won 72 caps for Morocco and scored 35 goals for the national team. He may now miss the remainder of the season, with his return listed by Transfermarkt as being estimated for the end of March 2027 at the earliest.

El Kaabi will not be available when Morocco return to action for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Gabon and Lesotho. He was also part of the Morocco squad that reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

After El Kaabi was taken off, his Olympiacos team-mate Jota Silva dedicated the opening goal to him by converting a penalty in the third minute of added time at the end of the first half.

Olympiacos also issued a message of support to the injured forward after the match, telling him to “Reste fort” “Stay strong”.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation subsequently sent its own message, saying: « Bon retablissement, Ayoub El Kaabi ! Nous te souhaitons de te remettre rapidement. »

The injury is a major setback for both El Kaabi and Morocco. He has been an important attacking player for the national side, while his club will now assess the full extent of the damage and the rehabilitation required.

El Kaabi, who was born in Casablanca, has built an international career marked by a regular scoring contribution for the Lions of the Atlas. His absence from the forthcoming qualifiers leaves Morocco without one of its experienced forwards as it begins its campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

For now, the striker faces a long period on the sidelines after an accident in a challenge that left him needing immediate treatment and hospital care.