Morocco boss Mohamed Ouahbi weighs four options after Sofiane Amrabat absence

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has several options to replace Sofiane Amrabat after the midfielder said he would not play for the national team while Ouahbi remains in charge.

Amrabat announced his decision in a lengthy message published on his official Instagram account, making clear that he would not wear the Morocco shirt with Ouahbi as head coach.

The decision leaves Ouahbi needing to find a replacement for one of the most important roles in the team. Morocco’s midfield remains one of its strongest areas, with several players capable of taking on different responsibilities in the centre of the pitch.

According to Moroccan outlet Sport7, Ouahbi could turn to three young players as he looks to fill the gap left by Amrabat.

Young midfield options

One of the names mentioned is Sofiane Fouzli, who plays for German club Schalke. Ouahbi could also consider Yassine El Khalifi of Belgian side Charleroi and Yassine Jassim, who plays for French club Strasbourg.

Sport7 described the trio as “three young players who can be relied upon to replace Sofiane Amrabat”.

The three players would offer Ouahbi fresh possibilities in midfield as he attempts to build a combination capable of carrying out the duties Amrabat previously performed for Morocco.

However, the available solutions do not end with the younger players. Imran Louza is also being considered as a possible option to return to the Morocco squad after a lengthy absence.

Louza’s return could provide another route for the coaching staff, given his previous experience with the national team and his ability to play in midfield. His inclusion would give Ouahbi an additional experienced choice while addressing the loss of Amrabat.

El Aynaoui and Bouaddi remain key

Nail El Aynaoui and Ayoub Bouaddi are also expected to retain strong positions within Morocco’s midfield after producing good performances for both the national team and their clubs.

Sport7 reported that the pair’s presence in defensive midfield appears “non-negotiable”. That would mean the main competition is likely to concern the remaining positions and the players Ouahbi selects to compensate for Amrabat’s absence.

Ouahbi therefore has several possible approaches: he can promote the younger midfielders, bring Louza back into consideration or continue to use El Aynaoui and Bouaddi as the central pillars of the team.

The choice will determine how Morocco reshapes its midfield following Amrabat’s decision to stay away from the national team while Ouahbi is in charge.