Ayoub El Kaabi faces six to seven months out with leg fracture

Morocco striker Ayoub El Kaabi is facing an estimated six to seven months on the sidelines after suffering fractures to his left tibia and fibula during Olympiacos’ match against Volos.

The 33-year-old sustained the serious injury in the 44th minute of Saturday evening’s Greek league match following a collision with Volos goalkeeper Marios Siampanis.

El Kaabi’s left leg was caught during the challenge, leaving him unable to continue. He was subsequently taken from the pitch on a stretcher as Olympiacos dealt with the injury to one of their key attacking players.

Medical examinations at hospital confirmed fractures to both the tibia and fibula in his left leg.

The severity of the injury meant surgery was required, with the operation taking place on Sunday, 6 September.

The procedure was successful, but El Kaabi now faces a lengthy rehabilitation programme before he can consider a return to competitive football.

Initial estimates indicate that the Moroccan forward could be unavailable for between six and seven months. However, the precise length of his recovery will depend on how he responds to rehabilitation and his progress during the process.

The injury represents a significant setback for El Kaabi, who will now have to spend an extended period away from the pitch.

It is also a major concern for Morocco, with the striker regarded as an important member of the Atlas Lions’ attack.

His lengthy absence could prevent him from featuring in upcoming international fixtures while also ruling him out for a substantial part of Olympiacos’ season.

The timing of the injury therefore leaves both club and country facing the prospect of being without the experienced forward for an extended period.

El Kaabi’s injury occurred after the collision with Siampanis shortly before half-time, with the seriousness of the problem immediately apparent as he required assistance to leave the field.

Hospital tests later provided confirmation of the extent of the damage, revealing fractures to both major bones in the lower part of his left leg.

Following Sunday’s successful operation, the focus will now turn to the striker’s rehabilitation.

The recovery process is expected to be lengthy, and the initial six-to-seven-month estimate could change depending on how El Kaabi responds to treatment.

For now, the Moroccan international’s priority will be rebuilding his fitness and gradually working towards a return.

El Kaabi will have to remain patient during the rehabilitation period as he attempts to recover fully from the serious injury.

Olympiacos and Morocco will both have to wait for his return, while the striker’s immediate focus will be on completing each stage of his recovery and eventually regaining his best level.