Morocco face major injury setbacks before Niger qualifiers

Mohamed Ouahbi’s plans for Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying double-header against Niger have been disrupted by a wave of injuries affecting key players in defence, midfield and attack.

Ismael Saibari, Azzedine Ounahi, Ayoub El Kaabi and Chadi Riad are expected to be unavailable for extended periods, while Soufiane Rahimi is a major doubt for the matches on 13 and 17 November.

Saibari was injured during Bayern Munich’s meeting with Borussia Dortmund and suffered a rupture of the syndesmotic ligament in his right ankle. The attacking midfielder underwent successful surgery after the Klassiker and is expected to be out for several months.

His absence removes a particularly versatile option for Ouahbi. Saibari was used both as a number 10 and as a centre-forward, including during the 2026 World Cup, and offered power, movement without the ball and the ability to make late runs into the penalty area.

Ounahi sustained a serious injury in Panathinaikos’ 5-1 victory over Asteras Tripolis on 18 October. The midfielder damaged the biceps femoris tendon in his right leg, underwent an operation and is expected to miss between two and a half and three months.

Known for carrying the ball through midfield, resisting pressure and creating in tight areas, Ounahi will be difficult to replace directly. Amine Harit, who has been in good form with OM, could benefit, while Bilal El Khannouss, Neil El Aynaoui and Ayyoub Bouaddi provide alternative options.

El Kaabi continues his rehabilitation after suffering a fracture to his left tibia with Olympiakos at the start of September. The 33-year-old striker has undergone surgery and had been an important presence because of his positioning and finishing inside the box.

Rahimi’s involvement is also in doubt after he injured his hamstring during the match against Shabab Al-Ahli on 22 October. Hamza Igamane is nearing a return from a serious knee injury, but lacks match rhythm, leaving Youssef En-Nesyri as another option. Ouahbi could also give an opportunity to the younger Yassir Zabiri.

Riad adds to defensive concerns

Riad suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while playing for Crystal Palace against Everton on 22 August. At 23, the left-footed defender had been expected to become one of the foundations of Morocco’s new defence, thanks to his ability to play out from the back and operate in a high defensive line.

His absence means Ouahbi must rely on players already established in the squad. Ilias Akhomach, Soufiane El Fawzi and Youssef Belammari are also carrying injuries and remain under assessment by the medical staff.

Morocco still have enough depth to field a competitive side against Niger, while the two matches could provide valuable playing time for less-used players. However, the experience of Saibari, Ounahi, El Kaabi, Rahimi and Riad cannot be replaced simply by numbers, leaving Ouahbi’s next squad significantly altered by the injury list.