Morocco head coach Walid Regragui is grappling with growing concerns over his defensive options as preparations intensify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, set to take place later this year.
Reports suggest the coach had been closely monitoring Chadi Riad’s progress at Crystal Palace, hoping the young defender would gain valuable minutes in the recent Community Shield clash against Liverpool.
However, Riad’s omission from the matchday squad was an unwelcome setback for Regragui, who is keen to assess his readiness for international duty.
Further frustration came in the form of captain Romain Saïss’s limited involvement in club action.
The experienced centre-back, long regarded as a pillar of Morocco’s defence, was left on the bench during the Champions Cup tie between his Qatari side Al-Sadd and Wydad Casablanca.
With Saïss already in the later stages of his career, a lack of competitive rhythm raises questions over his match sharpness ahead of the continental tournament.
The uncertainty extends beyond individual cases, with the entire defensive setup under scrutiny.
While Morocco have impressed in attack and midfield in recent outings, the back line remains a persistent concern for the coaching staff.
Injuries, limited playing time at club level, and questions over form have all combined to create a selection puzzle that Regragui will need to solve quickly.
The defensive sector is clearly our weak point, a source close to the national team setup admitted, reflecting the urgency of the situation.
The coach’s challenge will be to find a balance between experienced leaders like Saïss and emerging talents such as Riad, while ensuring that whoever makes the final squad is in peak condition.
With the next preparatory training camp drawing near, Regragui is expected to keep a close watch on potential call-ups in domestic leagues, Europe, and the Middle East.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether his preferred defensive pairing can be both reliable and battle-ready for the high-pressure environment of AFCON 2025.
For now, the Moroccan camp remains hopeful that form and fitness will improve in time.
But with the tournament rapidly approaching, Regragui knows that defensive stability could be the decisive factor in Morocco’s bid to challenge for continental glory.
