Amine Harit’s Marseille revival puts Morocco return in sight after Ounahi injury

Amine Harit’s resurgence at Olympique de Marseille has given him a possible route back into the Morocco squad, with Azzedine Ounahi’s injury potentially creating an opening for the 29-year-old midfielder.

Harit has scored in each of Marseille’s past two matches, following up his goal in the 2-0 win at Troyes with another in Sunday’s 5-2 victory away to Angers. His latest effort came after Tochukwu Nnadi picked him out just inside the penalty area, where Harit controlled the ball before driving a powerful right-footed finish into the net.

The goal at Troyes had been Harit’s first in Ligue 1 since October 2024. His return to prominence represents a significant turnaround for a player who, only a few weeks ago, appeared unlikely to have a meaningful role at Marseille.

Harit came back from a loan spell at Basaksehir without any guarantee of regular football and had been considered among the players who could leave. Bruno Genesio had suggested in August that a return to the group remained possible, but it was departures, injuries and a lack of squad depth that ultimately gave Harit another opportunity.

Like Himad Abdelli and several academy players, the Morocco international has benefited from the circumstances at the club. He then had to make the most of his chance. Starting against Angers, Harit produced an inventive display and showed he can still provide Marseille with creativity between the lines.

A possible opening for Morocco

Harit’s international career has been defined by promise, interruptions and attempted comebacks. He was part of Morocco’s squad at the 2018 World Cup but missed the 2022 tournament after suffering a serious knee injury. His involvement at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations was limited, and he gradually disappeared from subsequent Morocco squads.

Former coach Walid Regragui cited competition for places as one reason for Harit’s absence. His technical ability has never been seriously questioned, but inconsistency has prevented him from establishing himself as a regular senior figure for the Lions of the Atlas.

Ounahi’s injury could now alter the picture. The Panathinaikos midfielder was carried off in the 19th minute of Sunday’s match against Asteras while holding his left thigh. The exact nature of the injury and the length of his absence are not yet known, but his involvement in Morocco’s November camp appears to be under threat.

Harit and Ounahi do not have identical profiles, with the Marseille player more naturally focused on creating chances in the final third. Nevertheless, he could offer Mohamed Ouahbi another option in a Morocco midfield where competition is particularly strong.

Two goals will not erase Harit’s long period away from the spotlight. He has already been given several second chances, and any return to the squad would need to be backed by consistency, intensity and a greater contribution without the ball.

For now, he is back in the starting line-up, delivering decisive performances and presenting a credible case for the Lions of the Atlas. His next challenge is to ensure this opportunity does not close again.