Neil El Aynaoui has officially withdrawn from Morocco’s upcoming fixtures against Tunisia and Benin in June, with knee and adductor injuries cited as the reason for his absence.
The RC Lens midfielder’s continued unavailability has once again brought his national team allegiance under scrutiny.
Despite having been called up on multiple occasions by Morocco head coach Walid Regragui, El Aynaoui is still waiting to make his first appearance for the Atlas Lions—a delay that has fuelled growing speculation about his commitment to the Moroccan cause.
While physical setbacks are the stated cause of this latest absence, many observers see a more complicated reality beneath the surface.
El Aynaoui, who has previously drawn attention for his ties to both France and Morocco, has yet to fully cement his international future in the eyes of Moroccan supporters.
For some, his decision-making and recurring absences continue to cast a shadow over his stated intent to represent Morocco at senior level.
Coach Regragui has been unequivocal in his expectations.
“To win the AFCON at home, we need players who are 100% committed,” he stated—a message that now resonates even louder given the midfielder’s withdrawal.
El Aynaoui’s case is becoming increasingly symbolic in the lead-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco is set to host.
With the national team aiming to capture continental glory on home soil, the importance of a united and fully committed squad cannot be overstated.
In this context, each player’s dedication is under a microscope—and El Aynaoui’s ongoing absence has become more than just a routine injury concern.
Despite assurances from those close to the player that he has definitively chosen Morocco, the lack of tangible involvement continues to raise doubts.
The longer he remains on the fringes without a cap, the louder the questions become: Is this a case of unfortunate timing and bad luck, or is there a deeper hesitance that has yet to be addressed?
With time running short before the AFCON, Morocco’s technical staff will soon have to make hard decisions about which players they can rely on—both physically and emotionally—for one of the most important tournaments in the nation’s footballing history.
For Neil El Aynaoui, the window to silence the doubts may be narrowing fast.
