Morocco's Injury Woes Before the Quarter-Final Showdown with France
As the excitement builds for the upcoming quarter-final match between Morocco and France in the 2026 World Cup, concerns loom over the Moroccan squad, particularly regarding the fitness of key player Ismaël Saibari. Just two days ahead of this highly anticipated encounter, the Moroccan team is anxious about Saibari's condition following a thigh injury he sustained during their victorious Round of 16 match against Canada, which ended 3-0 in their favor.
Saibari's injury occurred in the 22nd minute of the game, where he felt a sharp pain in his thigh after a sprint, prompting his early exit from the pitch. Although Moroccan coach Mohamed Ouahbi initially described the injury as merely a "strain in the hamstrings," fears are mounting that it could be more serious than first thought. Following their transfer to Boston for the quarter-finals, the 25-year-old underwent an MRI scan to assess the severity of the injury. Early reports from Moroccan media suggest that the injury may not be as severe as initially feared, but Saibari's status remains uncertain as he is scheduled for another MRI on Monday.
Saibari: Morocco's Star Player in the Tournament
Ismaël Saibari has emerged as one of Morocco's standout players throughout the tournament, having recently transferred from PSV Eindhoven to Bayern Munich for approximately €50 million. His remarkable performance in the tournament has made him the team's leading scorer, netting three goals in five matches, and establishing himself as a vital technical leader for his country. Saibari's impressive display in the group stages, particularly during the memorable draw against Brazil (1-1), as well as his pivotal contributions against Scotland and Haiti, have showcased his ability to break down the most compact defenses. Furthermore, his composure during the penalty shootout against the Netherlands in the Round of 16 solidified his status as a locker-room leader. Missing such a key player against the formidable French defense, featuring the likes of Upamecano and Saliba, would undoubtedly pose a significant challenge for Morocco.
As reported by sports.fr.
