Mohamed Ouahbi plans Morocco reshuffle as Chamsdine Talbi return looms

Mohamed Ouahbi is preparing significant changes to the Morocco squad for November, with Sunderland winger Chamsdine Talbi among those who could return to the Lions of the Atlas.

The coach is expected to leave out several players selected for the most recent international break while considering new options, particularly in attack. The changes are intended to increase competition for places and strengthen the squad ahead of the next set of fixtures.

According to Al Ahdath Al Maghribia, in a report relayed by Le360, Ouahbi will begin a tour of Europe next week to watch a number of Morocco internationals and assess their current fitness.

The trip will also give the manager the opportunity to study other players who could be included in the squad for the November camp. That gathering is due to begin on 9 November at the Complexe Mohammed VI de Maamora.

Morocco are scheduled to face Niger on 13 November in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. They will then travel to Ghana for another meeting with the Mena.

The squad is expected to have a noticeably different look after Morocco’s matches against Gabon, Lesotho and Mali. Ouahbi is aiming to inject fresh talent into the group, while also reviewing the options available in several positions.

One player who could return is Noussair Mazraoui. The Manchester United full-back was injured against Lesotho and was therefore left out of the friendly against Mali. He has since recovered and is expected to be available to the Morocco manager again.

Talbi is also being considered for a recall. The Sunderland winger was omitted from the last camp because Ouahbi felt he lacked match fitness and rhythm.

That situation has not changed substantially. Talbi has played only once since then, appearing in the League Cup against Hull City in a 1-0 victory. He made a decisive contribution by scoring in that match, but the goal did not alter his position at club level.

The winger has remained on the bench in the league since Sunderland’s opening match of the season and has played only 31 minutes in total so far.

Even so, Talbi’s return would give Ouahbi an additional attacking option and provide greater variety on the wings. The player offers a different profile as the manager looks to improve Morocco’s attacking play.

No decision has yet been confirmed. Ouahbi’s final squad announcement will reveal how extensive the planned changes are and which players will lose their places in the latest reshuffle.