Morocco face injury worries as El Faouzi and Rahimi fitness remain uncertain

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi faces growing selection concerns ahead of the Atlas Lions’ upcoming training camp, with several players dealing with injuries just weeks before the national team’s scheduled matches against Niger.

The latest concern involves midfielder Soufiane El Faouzi, who was forced off during the match between Schalke and Cologne following a heavy collision with his team-mate Robin Gosens. The Moroccan sustained a head injury and was unable to continue, leaving uncertainty over the seriousness of the problem and how long he might be sidelined.

El Faouzi’s condition will need to be assessed before any decision can be made about his availability. His situation adds to the challenges facing Ouahbi as he prepares to assemble a squad for the two fixtures against Niger.

The coach must also keep a close watch on Soufiane Rahimi, whose return to competitive action remains uncertain. The forward’s availability will depend on how his physical condition develops over the coming weeks, making his recovery an important factor in Morocco’s preparations.

El Faouzi injury adds to Morocco’s concerns

El Faouzi’s injury is the latest setback for the Atlas Lions as the countdown to their next international assignment continues.

The midfielder was involved in a collision during Schalke’s meeting with Cologne, with the incident forcing him to leave the field after sustaining a head injury. The extent of the damage has not yet been established, and his possible absence from upcoming matches remains uncertain.

The situation leaves Ouahbi waiting for further clarity on the midfielder’s fitness before determining whether he can be considered for national-team selection.

With the training camp approaching, the timing of the injury could complicate preparations, particularly as Morocco already have several players whose availability is in question.

Rahimi’s fitness remains uncertain

Rahimi is another player whose condition will require attention in the coming weeks. His return to action will depend on his progress, leaving his involvement in Morocco’s upcoming fixtures unresolved for now.

The forward’s situation means the national-team coaching staff will have to monitor developments before making final decisions about the squad.

Although no definitive timeline has been provided for his return, his physical condition will be an important consideration as Ouahbi evaluates his options ahead of the training camp.

Ounahi and El Kaabi also among the absentees

The concerns surrounding El Faouzi and Rahimi come on top of the existing absences of Azzedine Ounahi and Ayoub El Kaabi, further complicating the coach’s preparations.

With several players facing fitness concerns, Ouahbi will need to assess the available options and determine which members of the squad will be ready for the two matches against Niger.

The coming weeks are likely to be important in establishing the availability of the affected players, particularly as the coaching staff seeks clarity over injuries and recovery progress before the camp begins.

For Morocco, the immediate priority will be to establish the condition of their players and assess the potential impact of the setbacks on squad selection.

Until further updates are available, El Faouzi’s recovery, Rahimi’s physical progress and the absences of Ounahi and El Kaabi remain key considerations for Ouahbi as he prepares the Atlas Lions for their next international challenge.