Morocco’s national football team, the Atlas Lions, is set to face a challenge in the upcoming FIFA days as defender Noussair Mazraoui has been ruled out due to injury. The Bayern Munich player sustained a torn left thigh during a recent domestic league match, marking a setback for both the player and the national squad.
Fresh from his participation in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Mazraoui’s return to action has been cut short by the unfortunate injury.
Bayern Munich officially announced the extent of Mazraoui’s injury, confirming that he will be unavailable for the upcoming fixtures.
This development raises doubts about his inclusion in the national team for the FIFA international matches scheduled for March 2024.
The estimated recovery period for Mazraoui’s torn thigh injury is expected to span at least two to three weeks, a duration that echoes his previous calf injury.
The earlier injury had sidelined him from December 13, 2023, to January 30, 2024. The recurrence of fitness concerns poses challenges for both the player and the national team’s coaching staff.
Noussair Mazraoui is not the sole player facing uncertainties ahead of the Atlas Lions’ next gathering. Other key figures like Hakim Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal, who have been dealing with injuries since AFCON 2023, are also listed as probable absentees.
The fitness status of Yunis Abdelhamid and Tarik Tissoudali remains uncertain, as the coaching team explores new player options during the upcoming international break.
As Morocco navigates through these challenges, the absence of experienced players raises questions about the squad’s composition and strategy for the crucial FIFA days.
The coaching staff under Walid Regragui faces the task of devising a lineup that can deliver strong performances despite the notable player absences.