Morocco: Hamza El Hannouri’s fitness sparks concern among Wydad Casablanca fans after national team injury

Hamza El Hannouri’s enforced use of crutches during international duty has heightened unease among Wydad Casablanca supporters, who fear a potentially serious setback for one of the club’s rising performers this season.

The striker appeared with a protective brace on his leg and leaned on two crutches as he made his way to the Morocco bench ahead of their opening Arab Cup fixture against Comoros in Qatar.

The Atlas Lions went on to claim a 3–1 victory, but the sight of El Hannouri struggling to walk overshadowed the result for many Wydad followers.

The injury occurred during preparations for the match, ruling the forward out of the opening game and immediately prompting speculation about the extent of the damage.

His rapid integration into Wydad’s first team this season has made him an essential figure, and the possibility of a prolonged absence has stirred anxiety among fans hoping the setback is not a severe one.

El Hannouri’s situation adds to an already inconvenient list of absentees.

Wydad are also without Achraf Bencharki, who suffered an injury while playing for Al Ahly in their CAF Champions League encounter with AS FAR.

The simultaneous loss of two attacking players places an unwelcome strain on the squad at a crucial point in the campaign.

Neither the national team nor Wydad have yet provided a precise diagnosis, leaving supporters waiting for clarity.

For now, the focus rests on medical evaluations that will determine the striker’s recovery timeline and whether Wydad will be forced to adjust their attacking plans for the coming weeks.

The uncertainty surrounding El Hannouri’s condition underscores how quickly fortunes can shift in a season marked by demanding schedules and high expectations.

With the club vying to maintain momentum domestically and internationally, any extended absence would be a significant blow.