Mohamed Ouahbi gives reassuring update on Brahim Diaz injury

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi says Brahim Diaz has suffered only a minor injury and remains hopeful the Real Madrid midfielder can return against Lesotho.

Diaz missed Morocco’s 2 0 victory over Gabon after arriving at the national team camp with pain. However, Ouahbi has confirmed that medical tests, including an MRI scan, did not reveal a serious problem.

“Brahim Diaz is suffering from a minor injury, and we will continue his treatment in the hope of his recovery as quickly as possible, God willing.”

The attacking midfielder stayed with the Atlas Lions despite being unavailable for the opening match of the international window. Rather than returning to his club, Diaz chose to remain with the Morocco squad and continue his treatment under the supervision of the national team’s medical staff.

His condition had already prompted Ouahbi to take precautions before the match against Gabon. Ilias Akhomach was called up as a precaution after Diaz reported discomfort.

Diaz subsequently underwent medical examinations, with the results providing some reassurance to the Morocco coaching staff.

The midfielder will now be monitored over the coming days before a decision is made on whether he can feature in the second match of the international window.

Morocco are due to face Lesotho on Monday, 29 September in South Africa. The match comes only three days after their opening victory over Gabon, meaning Diaz has a short period in which to recover.

Ouahbi has not guaranteed that the 10 will be available for the game and is not expected to take unnecessary risks with his fitness.

However, the latest update suggests the injury is not expected to result in a lengthy period on the sidelines.

Diaz’s absence did not prevent Morocco from making a winning start to their qualifying campaign. Noussair Mazraoui and Soufiane Rahimi scored to secure the 2 0 victory over Gabon.

The match also gave Ouahbi the opportunity to involve several younger players as he continues to develop his squad. Ali Maamar, Yassir Zabiri and Abdellah Ouazane were among those given playing time.

Ouazane, aged 17, was involved in the build up to Morocco’s second goal only minutes after coming onto the pitch for his first appearance.

The victory therefore gave Ouahbi an opportunity to continue introducing young players while also moving forward with his plans for the squad.

For Diaz, the focus is now on completing his treatment and waiting for the medical team to determine whether he is ready to return.

His involvement against Lesotho remains possible, but the decision will depend on how he responds to treatment in the days ahead.

For now, Ouahbi’s update provides reassurance over the condition of one of Morocco’s key attacking players, even though his availability for the next match remains uncertain.