Sufian Rahimi injury puts Morocco’s November plans at risk

Sufian Rahimi’s hamstring injury has created a major concern for Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi ahead of the team’s two matches against Niger in the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Al Ain forward suffered the injury during his side’s President’s Cup match against Shabab Al Ahli. He was forced off in tears in the 27th minute after sustaining a problem to the back of his right thigh.

A source close to Al Ain told Kooora that the injury was not straightforward and that Rahimi could miss Morocco’s camp this month because of concerns that an early return might aggravate the problem.

Rahimi has already been left out of Al Ain’s squad for Monday’s meeting with Al-Ittihad in the fourth round of the AFC Champions League Elite. The decision was made while he undergoes an intensive treatment programme.

His return will depend on how he responds to the treatment, the source said. Al Ain are not prepared to take any risks with Rahimi, particularly with the club facing demanding challenges across all competitions.

The latest update is also significant for Ouahbi because Ismail Saibari, described as a Bayern Munich player, suffered an injury during Saturday’s match against Borussia Dortmund in the eighth round of the German league.

If Rahimi and Saibari are both unavailable for the Morocco camp, Ouahbi’s options will be severely reduced. A source within the Morocco coaching staff previously indicated that the manager would be likely to call up Youssef En-Nesyri, the Al-Ittihad striker, to replace them.

Morocco’s preparations for the Niger fixtures now depend on the recovery of both players, with Rahimi’s condition expected to become clearer as he continues his treatment at Al Ain.