En-Nesyri leads list of potential Morocco returnees ahead of Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad announcement

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi is expected to make several changes to his squad when he announces his selection on November 4 for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Niger.

The Atlas Lions will host Niger on November 13 at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca before travelling to Rabat for the return fixture on November 17 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

According to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Ouahbi will announce his squad at 11:00 GMT at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.

After selecting 29 players for the September international window, the Moroccan coach is expected to reassess his options, particularly in midfield and attack, where injuries have ruled out several established players.

With some players pushing for recalls and others facing uncertainty over their fitness and playing time, the announcement could bring notable changes to Morocco’s squad.

Goalkeepers: Bounou expected to retain first-choice position

There could be little change in Morocco’s goalkeeping department, with Yassine Bounou of Al Hilal expected to retain his position as the country’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Munir El Kajoui of RS Berkane is also likely to remain in contention as his main alternative.

Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti of AS FAR and Alaa Bellaarouch of Dinamo Bucharest are other candidates for the remaining places.

Bellaarouch could strengthen his chances following his recent performances in Romania as Ouahbi continues to assess the available options.

Defence: El Hilali and El Karouani eye recalls

Morocco’s defence could feature a few adjustments, although several established names are expected to retain their positions.

Nayef Aguerd of Olympique Marseille, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal of Stade Rennais and Issa Diop of Ipswich Town are among the leading candidates for the central defensive positions.

However, Redouane Halhal of Venezia and Marouane Saadane of Al Fateh could struggle to keep their places after limited playing time during the previous international window.

Omar El Hilali of Espanyol is another player who could earn a recall. His regular appearances in La Liga and defensive contributions could work in his favour.

On the right side, captain Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain and Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United remain important options.

Ali Maamar of Anderlecht could also retain his place, while Mohamed Chibi of Pyramids FC is pushing for a return following consistent performances in Egypt.

Souffian El Karouani of Benfica is another potential addition on the left flank as he looks to compete for a place in the squad.

However, Chadi Riad of Crystal Palace is expected to miss the double-header after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in August.

Midfield: Belahyane and Harit push for returns

The midfield is another department where Ouahbi could make significant adjustments, particularly following the injury to Azzedine Ounahi.

The Panathinaikos midfielder underwent surgery after sustaining a serious hamstring injury in October and is expected to remain unavailable for several months.

Neil El Aynaoui of RB Leipzig, Ayyoub Bouaddi of Manchester City, Bilal El Khannouss of Stuttgart and Oussama Targhalline of Feyenoord are expected to remain among the coach’s main options.

Abdellah Ouazane of Ajax could also retain his place after making his first appearance during the previous international window.

Meanwhile, Reda Belahyane of Lazio is among the leading candidates for a recall. The midfielder has regained regular playing time under coach Gennaro Gattuso, potentially strengthening his chances of returning to the national team.

Amine Harit of Olympique Marseille is another player hoping to benefit from his recent performances and improved club form.

However, Samir El Mourabet of Strasbourg and Soufiane El-Faouzi of Schalke 04 face uncertainty ahead of the announcement. El Mourabet has struggled for regular playing time, while El-Faouzi recently suffered facial injuries that could affect his availability.

Ismael Saibari of Bayern Munich is also expected to miss the matches after undergoing surgery for an ankle injury. The midfielder faces an estimated three to four months on the sidelines.

Attack: En-Nesyri could return as El Kaabi misses out

Morocco’s attacking department could experience the biggest changes, with several players facing fitness concerns ahead of the November fixtures.

Ayoub El Kaabi of Olympiacos is recovering from a fractured tibia, while Soufiane Rahimi of Al Ain is also racing against time after suffering a hamstring injury.

Hamza Igamane is another doubtful option. Although the forward is approaching a return from a serious knee injury, his lack of match fitness could prevent him from making the squad.

Saibari’s absence further reduces Ouahbi’s attacking options, particularly given the midfielder’s use in a more advanced role.

These setbacks could create an opportunity for Youssef En-Nesyri of Al Ittihad to return to the national team. The striker has been in good form in Saudi Arabia and is reportedly being considered after missing Ouahbi’s previous selections.

Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli of Real Betis are expected to retain their places.

Gessime Yassine of Strasbourg, Yassir Zabiri of Racing Santander and Tawfik Bentayeb of Anderlecht could also remain in contention.

Amine Adli of Bournemouth is another potential addition, with his recent performances and goalscoring contribution strengthening his case for a return.

Meanwhile, Ilias Akhomach remains under observation following injury concerns, leaving his availability for the two matches uncertain.

With several established players unavailable and others pushing for recalls, Ouahbi faces important selection decisions as Morocco prepare for their Niger double-header.

The November squad announcement will provide an indication of the coach’s preferred options as the Atlas Lions continue their preparations for the next stages of their international campaign.