Morocco have been handed a major injury setback ahead of their FIFA World Cup quarter-final showdown against France, with influential forward, Ismael Saibari, ruled out of Thursday’s encounter after failing to recover from injury.
The Atlas Lions will take on Didier Deschamps’ side at Boston Stadium without one of their most dangerous attacking options.
The 25-year-old sustained the injury during Morocco’s Round of 16 victory over Canada and has not regained full fitness in time for the last-eight clash.
Saibari suffered the setback in Morocco’s commanding 3-0 win over Canada on July 4. The attacker, who recently joined Bayern Munich, pulled up in the 21st minute while clutching the back of his thigh, prompting the team’s medical staff to rush onto the pitch.
Although he initially received treatment, the injury proved too serious for him to continue. Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi was forced to withdraw the forward and introduce Soufiane Rahimi as his replacement before the first half progressed.
The absence of Saibari represents a significant blow for Morocco, given his impact throughout the tournament. The forward has scored three goals, including two opening strikes, and has been instrumental with his pace, creativity, and attacking influence during the Atlas Lions’ impressive campaign.
Morocco booked their place in the quarter-finals with an emphatic victory over Canada, inspired by Azzedine Ounahi’s brace. The North Africans have emerged as one of the competition’s surprise packages and will be aiming to continue their remarkable run against the reigning European heavyweights.
The Atlas Lions head into the contest unbeaten in their last 34 matches in all competitions. Their recent form has also been encouraging, with three victories and three draws in their previous six games, during which they have scored 11 goals while conceding just five.
Despite missing one of their key attacking players, coach Ouahbi will look to the likes of Ounahi and Rahimi to provide the attacking spark needed to break down a formidable French defence and keep Morocco’s World Cup dream alive.
