Morocco hit by growing injury crisis ahead of AFCON qualifiers

Morocco’s preparations for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have been hit by a growing injury crisis, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou becoming the latest key player to raise concerns for new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

The Atlas Lions are already without several important players through injury and suspension as they prepare to face Gabon and Lesotho later this month.

Bounou was forced out of Al Hilal’s Saudi Pro League match against Neom on Monday after suffering a muscle problem during the warm-up, leaving Morocco anxiously awaiting further information on his condition.

Bounou injury adds to Morocco concerns

The extent of Bounou’s injury has not yet been confirmed, but his potential absence would represent another major setback for Ouahbi ahead of the qualifying campaign.

Morocco are due to begin their campaign against Gabon before travelling to face Lesotho, with the national team already dealing with a lengthy list of unavailable players.

The uncertainty surrounding the experienced goalkeeper comes just days after the Atlas Lions suffered another significant blow in attack.

El Kaabi facing lengthy absence

Olympiacos striker Ayoub El Kaabi is expected to spend between six and seven months on the sidelines after suffering a fracture to his left leg during a league match against Volos.

The Moroccan forward subsequently underwent successful surgery in Athens but is set to miss the upcoming international fixtures and a significant part of the domestic season.

El Kaabi’s absence will be particularly frustrating for Ouahbi given the striker’s goalscoring record and importance to the national team.

Attacking options reduced

Morocco’s problems extend further forward, with Real Betis winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli also expected to miss the upcoming matches as he continues his recovery from injury.

The absence of another attacking option further limits Ouahbi’s choices as he prepares to announce his squad.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich midfielder Ismael Saibari will also miss the qualifiers due to suspension. He and Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi are serving disciplinary sanctions following incidents surrounding the recent AFCON final against Senegal.

Defensive absences mount

The Atlas Lions have also been affected at the back, with Youssef Belammari and Chadi Riad unavailable because of injuries.

Experienced defender Marouane Saadane is also among the players ruled out, leaving Ouahbi facing the prospect of reshuffling several areas of his squad.

Major selection challenge for Ouahbi

The mounting absences present an early challenge for Ouahbi, who is scheduled to announce his final squad on 17 September.

Morocco will host Gabon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat on 25 September before travelling to South Africa four days later to face Lesotho at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

With injuries and suspensions affecting several key players across the pitch, the Atlas Lions’ preparations for the road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations have become increasingly complicated.