Morocco star Ismael Saibari faces three to four months out after ankle surgery

Moroccan international Ismael Saibari is expected to spend between three and four months on the sidelines after sustaining a serious ankle injury during Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga encounter against Borussia Dortmund.

The midfielder suffered a tear to the syndesmosis ligament in his right ankle following a collision with Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena.

Saibari was unable to continue after the incident and was subsequently forced off in the 29th minute, raising concerns about the severity of the injury.

Following further medical examinations, the 24-year-old underwent surgery, with Bayern Munich confirming that the operation was successful.

However, despite the successful procedure, the Moroccan midfielder faces a lengthy rehabilitation period, with the German champions anticipating that he will be unavailable for between three and four months.

Bayern sporting director Max Eberl provided an update on the player’s condition, revealing that Saibari had already returned to spend time with his teammates shortly after the operation.

“The operation went well yesterday. He was already sitting with us at lunch today. I was completely surprised and asked him whether it would be two or three weeks. He laughed a little and said: ‘Two and a half.’ That probably won’t be the case. We’re expecting him to be out for three to four months with the syndesmosis ligament tear,” Eberl said.

The setback represents a significant blow for both Bayern Munich and Morocco, with Saibari expected to miss several important fixtures during his recovery.

His absence will also rule him out of Morocco’s November double-header against Niger in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, denying the Atlas Lions one of their midfield options for the upcoming assignments.

The North African nation will now have to explore alternative options as they prepare for the qualifiers, while Bayern will hope the midfielder makes a full recovery and returns to action without further complications.

Saibari will now focus on his rehabilitation as he begins the process of recovering from the injury.