Injury fears for Morocco’s Ilias Akhomach ahead of AFCON

Three months before the African Cup of Nations, Moroccan winger Ilias Akhomach has raised fresh concerns after experiencing pain in his surgically repaired knee during Villarreal’s 2-1 win over Osasuna on Saturday.

The 21-year-old, who started the La Liga clash, failed to reappear for the second half after reporting discomfort in the back of his right knee — the same one that underwent surgery last winter.

His withdrawal has sparked fears of a possible relapse, casting doubt over his availability for both club and country in the months ahead.

Villarreal manager Marcelino voiced his unease in his post-match press conference.

Foyth is suffering from a muscle problem and is expected to miss several weeks. As for Ilias, he has felt discomfort in his operated knee and will probably not be available on Tuesday either, he said.

The club later issued a medical update confirming setbacks for three players: Ayoze Pérez with a muscular relapse, Juan Foyth sidelined for several weeks, and Akhomach, whose knee has once again become a cause for concern.

For Akhomach, this latest scare highlights a troubling pattern.

The winger has long been seen as one of Morocco’s most promising young talents, but his career has been punctuated by repeated injuries.

In November 2024, during a league match against Deportivo Alavés, he found the net before being stretchered off with a right knee injury that sidelined him for months.

He only returned to action at the start of the current season.

This recurrence is particularly untimely, with the Atlas Lions preparing for AFCON in just three months.

Head coach Walid Regragui, who recalled the winger for Morocco’s last training camp but did not field him, must now carefully assess his fitness before finalising his tournament squad.

¡No te creo! ¡Doble oportunidad para el Villarreal en los pies de Ilias y Mikautadze!#VillarrealOsasuna | #LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/01mPhv1HVq

— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) September 20, 2025

While Akhomach’s flair and creativity make him central to Morocco’s long-term plans, his fragility continues to fuel uncertainty.

Villarreal, meanwhile, are left facing a difficult spell with several absentees.

The club, already struggling with limited attacking depth, now confronts a congested fixture list without key contributors.

Despite his setbacks, Akhomach remains one of the brightest prospects in Moroccan football.

Fans in both Spain and Morocco will be hoping his latest issue proves to be a temporary setback rather than a significant blow to his season — and to his country’s AFCON campaign.