Zakaria Aboukhlal has returned to the Toulouse squad following a lengthy spell on the sidelines, providing a timely boost for both his club and Morocco national team coach Walid Regragui.
The 24-year-old forward resumed training in early April after recovering from a thigh injury that had kept him out of action for nearly two months.
The setback occurred during Toulouse’s fixture against Le Havre, forcing Aboukhlal to miss a significant portion of the season.
Toulouse head coach Carles Martinez confirmed Aboukhlal’s availability but stressed the need for caution in reintroducing him to competitive play.
“There are no longer any medical contraindications, but we will manage his return with caution. He is important to us,” Martinez told L’Équipe.
Aboukhlal’s potential return to the pitch comes just ahead of Toulouse’s final home match of the Ligue 1 season, a Matchday 33 encounter against Lens.
With their Ligue 1 status already secured and the club currently sitting 12th in the table, Toulouse are looking to finish their campaign on a positive note in front of their home supporters.
Before his injury, Aboukhlal had been a key figure in Toulouse’s attack throughout the season.
He made 25 appearances across both Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France, scoring seven goals and providing two assists.
His contributions have been instrumental in helping the club avoid relegation and maintain a stable mid-table position.
His return will also be welcome news for Moroccan national team selectors, as the striker looks to regain match sharpness ahead of future international fixtures.
Aboukhlal has been a regular presence in Walid Regragui’s squad and is expected to feature prominently once fully fit.
The Lens match offers a possible opportunity for the winger to make his competitive return, though Martinez’s comments suggest that the coaching staff will carefully monitor his fitness and workload to avoid any risk of recurrence.
As the season nears its conclusion, Aboukhlal’s recovery adds a positive note for Toulouse, who are already turning their attention toward preparations for the next campaign.
For now, both club and country will be eager to see the forward return to his best form following his extended absence.
