Morocco star Azzedine Ounahi faces lengthy injury spell after suffering complete hamstring tendon tear

Moroccan international Azzedine Ounahi is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after medical examinations confirmed a complete tear of the tendon in his right biceps femoris muscle, with surgery required to address the injury.

The Panathinaikos midfielder sustained the injury during his side’s Greek League encounter against Asteras Tripolis on Sunday, October 18, which ended in a convincing 5-1 victory for the Athens-based club.

Ounahi was forced off in the 19th minute after suffering the injury and had to be carried off the pitch on a stretcher, raising immediate concerns about the severity of the problem.

Although the initial assessment suggested an injury, subsequent medical examinations revealed a more serious situation than first anticipated. An MRI scan confirmed a complete tear of the hamstring tendon, prompting Panathinaikos’ medical team to recommend surgery to repair the damage and reduce the risk of further complications.

According to Greek media reports, the 26-year-old is scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday, October 29, with the length of his recovery expected to depend on the outcome of the procedure and his response to rehabilitation.

The injury represents a significant setback for Ounahi, who will now face a demanding rehabilitation programme before he can return to competitive action. His recovery timeline will become clearer after surgery and further medical assessments.

Greek reports suggest the Moroccan midfielder could potentially return during the Greek League playoff stage in March 2027, although his availability will depend on how quickly he regains full fitness.

Ounahi’s absence will be a blow to Panathinaikos as they navigate the remainder of the campaign, with the club likely to monitor his recovery closely before determining when he can resume training and eventually return to match action.

For Morocco, the injury also raises concerns over the midfielder’s availability for upcoming international assignments, depending on the progress of his recovery.

The immediate priority for Ounahi will be a successful operation and a careful rehabilitation process as he begins his fight to return to full fitness.