Patrice Carteron handed major boost as Ziyech nears Wydad return

Wydad Casablanca head coach Patrice Carteron has received a timely boost ahead of a crucial league fixture, with encouraging news surrounding the recovery of star winger Hakim Ziyech as the club prepares to face Kawkab Marrakech in the 16th round of the competition.

Ziyech is now edging closer to a return, with reports indicating he is expected to rejoin team training next week as he intensifies his rehabilitation process. His comeback would mark a significant development for Wydad at a key stage of the season, where squad depth and creativity in the final third have become increasingly important.

The Moroccan international has been unavailable in recent weeks after sustaining an injury during Wydad’s league match against FUS Rabat. His absence has been strongly felt, particularly in matches where Wydad struggled to break down opposition defences and maintain attacking fluidity.

Before beginning his recovery programme, Ziyech travelled to the Netherlands, where he worked closely with a specialised medical and rehabilitation team. The structured programme focused on restoring full fitness while managing his workload carefully, with the aim of ensuring a complete and sustainable return to action.

His gradual progress has been closely monitored by Wydad’s technical staff, who are optimistic about his reintegration into the squad. Within the club, there is a growing sense that his return could not only improve attacking output but also lift overall team morale during a demanding stretch of fixtures.

For Carteron, the timing could hardly be better. Wydad are entering a decisive phase of their campaign, with consistency proving essential in the ongoing title race. The coaching staff have been working to maintain competitive performances despite key absences, but Ziyech’s creativity and experience are seen as a potential difference-maker.

Beyond his technical influence, Ziyech’s presence is also expected to restore confidence within the squad, particularly among younger attacking players who rely on his vision and leadership on the pitch. His ability to unlock defences and shift the tempo of matches has been missed during his spell on the sidelines.

As preparations continue for the upcoming clash against Kawkab Marrakech, attention will remain firmly on Ziyech’s recovery timeline. Wydad supporters, meanwhile, will be hoping that his return to training marks the beginning of a strong finish to the season, with the club still firmly in contention in the league race.