Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi is facing a potential selection headache ahead of the November international break, with several players reportedly dealing with injuries ahead of the Atlas Lions’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Niger.
According to Moroccan newspaper Al Akhbar, eight players are being monitored by the national team’s technical staff: Ilyas Akhomach, Soufiane El Fawzi, Chadi Riad, Youssef Belamri, Azzedine Ounahi, Soufiane Rahimi, Ayoub El Kaabi and Hamza Igamane.
The concerns come as Ouahbi prepares to announce his squad on November 4, with the team scheduled to begin its training camp on November 9.
Several key players face fitness concerns
Among the players attracting attention are Akhomach and El Fawzi, who have both reportedly sustained injuries in recent matches.
Akhomach picked up a muscle problem during his team’s encounter with Valencia, while El Fawzi suffered a facial injury following a collision with teammate Robin Gosens during Schalke’s match against Cologne.
The situation is particularly concerning in midfield and attack, where Ounahi and Rahimi have also suffered injury setbacks.
Ounahi sustained a serious right hamstring injury while playing for Panathinaikos and is expected to be sidelined for an extended period. Rahimi, meanwhile, was forced off during Al Ain’s match against Shabab Al Ahli after suffering a hamstring problem.
Chadi Riad and Ayoub El Kaabi are also continuing their recovery from significant injuries, while the availability of the other players will depend on further medical assessments.
Niger double-header awaits Morocco
Morocco are preparing for two consecutive meetings with Niger as they continue their campaign in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Atlas Lions will host Niger on November 13 before facing the same opponents again on November 17.
The double-header will provide an important opportunity for Ouahbi’s side to strengthen their position in the qualifying campaign, but the coach could be forced to adjust his plans depending on the latest injury reports.
With his squad announcement approaching, Ouahbi will be hoping to receive positive updates on the players still being assessed as he looks to assemble a competitive team for the two fixtures.
