Brahim Diaz remains with Morocco squad despite injury concern

Brahim Diaz has decided to remain with the Morocco squad despite a muscle injury that has raised doubts over his participation in the Atlas Lions’ opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Gabon.

The Real Madrid midfielder is reportedly suffering from muscle pain and has been working with Morocco’s medical staff as he attempts to recover in time for the upcoming matches.

His situation became a major talking point after coach Mohamed Ouahbi called up Ilias Akhomach as a replacement.

The Moroccan Football Federation did not announce a withdrawal for Diaz when Akhomach was brought into the squad, while reports in the Spanish media revealed that the midfielder had been dealing with the problem for several weeks.

According to AS, Diaz has continued playing for Real Madrid despite the injury, although his playing time has recently been reduced.

FRMF Xtra reports that Diaz is indeed experiencing muscle pain but has chosen to stay with the Morocco squad rather than return to Madrid for treatment.

The decision means the midfielder will continue his recovery alongside the Atlas Lions’ medical staff, with the possibility of featuring in the upcoming fixtures still uncertain.

Diaz does not want to leave his team-mates at this stage and is hoping to make himself available if his physical condition allows him to play.

His decision to remain with Morocco also helps explain the late addition of Akhomach to Ouahbi’s squad.

Akhomach was called up after the start of the training camp despite not being included in the original list. The Federation did not provide an explanation for the change, but Diaz’s injury situation had already emerged as a possible reason.

The Villarreal winger has since joined the Morocco group in Maâmora and provides Ouahbi with another option in attack.

Akhomach has regularly been called up under former coach Walid Regragui but had not previously been selected by Ouahbi. His arrival now gives Morocco additional cover while Diaz works towards recovery.

The situation means Diaz can continue his rehabilitation with the national team while Akhomach remains available should the Real Madrid player be unable to feature.

There are also concerns because Diaz’s current problem reportedly predates the international break. AS has reported that the Moroccan has played through an injury in recent matches for Real Madrid.

His decision to remain with the national team reflects his desire to be part of Morocco’s campaign, but the medical staff will have to assess whether he is fit enough to play.

Morocco begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Gabon in Rabat on Friday, 25 September. They will then face Lesotho four days later.

For now, Diaz remains with the Atlas Lions and continues his recovery in the hope of being available. Whether he can take part will depend on how his condition develops before Morocco’s opening qualifier.