Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi faces injury concerns ahead of AFCON qualifiers

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi is facing concerns over the fitness of eight players ahead of the Atlas Lions’ return to action in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Moroccan technical staff are monitoring a series of injuries affecting several players as preparations continue for the upcoming international break.

According to Moroccan newspaper Al Akhbar, the players currently being assessed are Ilyas Akhomach, Soufiane El Fawzi, Shadi Riad, Youssef Belamri, Azzedine Ounahi, Soufiane Rahimi, Ayoub El Kaabi and Hamza Igamane.

The injuries come at a crucial time for Ouahbi, who is expected to announce his final squad on Wednesday, November 4, ahead of the next training camp.

Akhomach and El Fawzi among injury concerns

Akhomach suffered a muscle injury during his team’s match against Valencia, raising questions about his availability for the national team.

El Fawzi also sustained an injury after colliding with Robin Gosens during his team’s match against Cologne. The incident left him with a nose injury and a deep wound to his forehead, putting his readiness for the upcoming fixtures in doubt.

The Moroccan coaching staff are waiting for further medical assessments to establish whether the affected players will be fit enough to join the squad.

Morocco prepare for two Niger fixtures

The Atlas Lions are scheduled to begin their preparatory camp on November 9 as they turn their attention to two matches against Niger in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Morocco will face Niger on November 13 before meeting the same opponents again on November 17.

With the squad announcement approaching and limited time available before the fixtures, Ouahbi will have to make his selections based on the latest medical information and the availability of his players.