Morocco sweat over Brahim Diaz fitness ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Morocco are sweating over the fitness of Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The North African football heavyweights will take on Gabon on September 25 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat before traveling to face Lesotho at the Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein (South Africa) on September 29.

Atlas Lions head coach Mohamed Ouahbi is reportedly facing uncertainty over Diaz’s physical condition just days before the crucial encounter, prompting the coach to strengthen his attacking options.

Ouahbi called up Villarreal right winger Ilias Akhomach on Tuesday, September 22, to join Morocco’s training camp in Maâmora as preparations intensify for the clash with the Panthers.

Akhomach’s late inclusion comes against the backdrop of the concerns surrounding Diaz and gives Ouahbi another option in the attacking department should the Real Madrid star be unavailable or unable to play a full part in the fixture.

The Villarreal winger will also provide additional depth for Morocco as they prepare for the first two rounds of the AFCON qualifiers and an international friendly against Ghana during the same international window.

Diaz has become an important figure for Morocco, making his fitness situation a key concern for Ouahbi as he finalises his plans for the opening qualifier.

With Akhomach now added to the squad, the Morocco coach has greater flexibility while he waits for clarity on Diaz’s condition.

Since the start of the current season, technical director Jose Mourinho has made clear through his statements and decisions just how much he relies on Diaz. The Moroccan has become an important figure on the right flank and repaid his coach’s trust with strong displays.

Across his four seasons at Real Madrid, Diaz looks better placed than ever to cement his status as an indispensable regular. His current physical problems, though, may hold up that progress for now.

Leaving him out of this international break might even work in his favour. It hands him the rest he needs to recover and return to the pitch as soon as possible

Morocco will host Gabon on September 25 as they begin their campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with Ouahbi hoping Diaz will be fit enough to feature in the encounter.

Meanwhile, the 2022 World Cup semifinalists are expected to take Ghana in a high-profile friendly match in early October.