Morocco head coach Walid Regragui faces a fresh injury headache after Ismael Saibari was forced off during PSV Eindhoven’s Eredivisie fixture against Twente on Thursday night.
The 22-year-old midfielder suffered an apparent injury in the 69th minute of the league clash and could not continue, prompting immediate concern for both his club and the national team.
PSV medical staff are set to carry out thorough examinations on Friday to assess the extent of the injury and determine how long the Moroccan international might be sidelined.
The timing of Saibari’s injury comes as a significant blow for Morocco, with two friendly fixtures scheduled in June against Tunisia and Benin as part of the team’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Regragui has previously voiced concern about the physical strain players endure during the season’s closing stretch, where fatigue and accumulated minutes often lead to a spike in injuries.
Saibari, who has become a regular fixture in both the PSV lineup and Morocco’s national squad, has had a standout campaign.
The midfielder has featured in 41 matches across all competitions this season, registering nine goals in the Eredivisie, three in the UEFA Champions League, and contributing 14 assists overall.
His consistent form has made him a key creative outlet for PSV while also boosting his profile on the international stage.
Regragui, who is carefully assembling his squad ahead of next year’s tournament, has made no secret of his reliance on dynamic midfielders like Saibari.
The PSV star’s blend of technical ability, vision, and attacking intent has made him one of the most promising young players in Morocco’s player pool.
With the upcoming friendlies seen as crucial in fine-tuning tactics and assessing player combinations, Saibari’s potential absence would be a major setback.
These matches are not only about fitness and form but also about building cohesion among the squad a process that Regragui is keen to solidify as he aims to mount a serious challenge for the African title.
The Moroccan technical staff will be monitoring Saibari’s situation closely over the coming days. Any prolonged layoff could disrupt Regragui’s planning, particularly in a midfield that has relied heavily on Saibari’s ability to transition quickly from defence to attack.
His understanding of space, link-up play with forwards, and sharp passing in the final third have made him one of the national team’s most reliable performers.
Saibari’s injury also highlights the broader challenges national team coaches face during this phase of the football calendar.
With domestic leagues nearing their conclusion and European competitions in full swing, the physical demands on players are relentless.
Regragui’s earlier warnings about late-season injuries appear to have materialised, casting uncertainty over the availability of one of his most trusted options.
As supporters await official updates from PSV Eindhoven and the Moroccan Football Federation, attention now turns to Saibari’s recovery timeline.
Regragui will be hoping for positive news, knowing that the midfielder’s presence could be pivotal in Morocco’s quest to fine-tune its preparations ahead of the continental showpiece.
