Tawfik Bentayeb’s Morocco debut in doubt after head injury

Tawfik Bentayeb’s first Morocco call-up has been overshadowed by a head injury suffered while playing for Anderlecht.

The 23-year-old forward scored and provided an assist in his club’s final match before the international break, but was later taken to hospital after losing consciousness following a heavy collision.

Bentayeb had been rewarded earlier this week by Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi for his impressive start to the season, earning his first selection for the Lions de l’Atlas. He appeared to be heading into the international break in perfect form after opening the scoring for Anderlecht.

The Moroccan reacted quickest when the goalkeeper failed to hold Lukas Ambros’ shot, arriving in the right place to turn the loose ball into the net.

Bentayeb was involved again after the interval, although the assist came in painful circumstances. While challenging Laurent Lemoine for the ball, he suffered a forceful head-to-head collision.

Play continued and Marten Winkler scored Anderlecht’s second with a volley, with Bentayeb officially credited with the assist. The forward, however, did not see the goal because he had lost consciousness as he fell to the ground.

After regaining awareness, the former Troyes player initially attempted to continue. He was soon replaced by Mihajlo Cvetkovic.

Bentayeb was taken to hospital for further examinations, with Anderlecht manager Vitor Bruno urging caution after the game.

“It will be necessary to see the MRI results. I hope it is nothing serious,” he said.

The precise nature and severity of the injury have not yet been established. His involvement in Morocco’s next gathering will depend on his condition and the conclusions of the medical examinations.

The timing is particularly unfortunate for Bentayeb, who had just been included in Ouahbi’s first Morocco squad. His call-up recognised the progress he has made over recent months.

The striker had impressed during the previous campaign by finishing as the top scorer in Ligue 2 francaise, before continuing his career at Anderlecht.

His latest performance, featuring a goal and direct involvement in the second, appeared to provide ideal preparation for his first appearance with the senior national team. Instead, it has left his international debut in doubt before the squad has even met.

Bentayeb must now wait for the medical results to determine whether he can join the Lions de l’Atlas. The outcome will also be significant for Ouahbi, whose first post-World Cup squad could lose one of its new faces before the international period begins.