Morocco national football team coach Mohamed Wahbi has reassured supporters over the fitness of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and midfielder Neil El Aynaoui after both players missed the team’s 4-0 friendly victory over Madagascar national football team.
The match represented Morocco’s final home-based preparation before travelling to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the absence of two important players quickly triggered concern among fans over possible injury problems ahead of the tournament.
However, Wahbi insisted that the decision to leave both players out was purely precautionary and not linked to any serious medical issue.
Speaking after the match, the Morocco coach explained that El Aynaoui had been dealing with a minor illness and that the technical and medical staff decided not to take unnecessary risks.
“He was a little sick, and we did not want to risk his health, so we had to isolate him. It is a simple virus and there is nothing to worry about,” Wahbi said.
The comments were aimed at calming speculation that the midfielder could be facing a longer-term problem just days before the start of the World Cup.
Precautionary approach for Bounou
Wahbi also addressed the situation surrounding Bounou, who was absent from the squad after experiencing minor physical discomfort during training.
“Bounou felt a slight discomfort in his back two days ago, and we decided not to include him to avoid any aggravation of the injury, especially since we are adopting a policy of medical caution before returning to group training normally,” Wahbi explained.
The coach emphasised that Morocco’s medical staff are following a strict preventative protocol designed to minimise risks ahead of the tournament.
With the World Cup approaching, Morocco are determined to avoid losing key players through avoidable injuries during preparation matches or training sessions.
Wahbi underlined that the coaching staff would not gamble with player fitness regardless of a player’s status or importance within the squad.
Building squad mentality before the tournament
Beyond the medical explanation, Wahbi also used the opportunity to explain his wider philosophy regarding squad management and competition within the group.
“I am trying to explain an idea to the players, which is that everyone is involved in playing, and from the moment we do not want to take risks, it does not mean that we do not have alternatives, but rather every individual on the list must feel that he is essential and capable of taking responsibility at any moment,” he said.
The statement reflected Morocco’s attempt to create greater squad depth and collective responsibility ahead of the tournament in North America.
Rather than relying solely on a small core of established stars, the coaching staff appear determined to ensure every player feels prepared to contribute if needed.
Focus on full fitness before North America
Morocco’s current approach has been shaped by a desire to arrive at the World Cup with the squad in peak physical condition.
The technical staff are prioritising recovery, injury prevention and controlled workload management in order to reduce the possibility of muscle injuries or fatigue-related problems before the tournament begins.
The strategy also reflects lessons learned from previous competitions, where injuries to key players disrupted Morocco’s tactical plans at important stages.
According to Wahbi, the expectation remains that both Bounou and El Aynaoui will return to full group training once their respective treatment and prevention programmes are completed.
Their anticipated return would provide another boost for a Morocco side seeking to enter the World Cup with maximum stability and depth.
For now, Morocco’s coaching staff insist there is no cause for alarm — only a carefully managed attempt to protect two important players before the biggest challenge of the international calendar begins.
