Morocco finds itself in a precarious situation as they prepare for their highly anticipated match against France, with star forward Ismael Saibari's fitness hanging in the balance after he sustained an injury during the round of 16. Saibari, who plays for Bayern Munich, has been a cornerstone of Morocco's attacking strategy, and his potential absence is causing considerable concern among the coaching staff and fans alike. A recent MRI, conducted last Monday, ruled out any serious injury, yet if he does make it to the pitch, it will be under careful management due to the nature of his condition. The team's coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, is particularly anxious as he has struggled to find a reliable alternative, leaving the team’s aspirations in jeopardy.
Prior to his injury, Saibari was enjoying an outstanding run, contributing significantly to Morocco's offensive prowess throughout the tournament. He scored three goals during the group stages, a feat that recently earned him a lucrative transfer to Bayern Munich for a staggering €55 million, a move that underscores his burgeoning reputation as one of the most promising talents in world football. However, his fortunes took a dramatic turn during the match against Canada, where he suffered a hamstring injury in the 22nd minute, leaving the field in tears, a sight that deeply concerned a nation that relies heavily on its star player.
Following Morocco's impressive 3-0 victory, coach Ouahbi sought to soothe the anxieties of supporters, indicating that initial assessments showed no severe damage, but subsequent scans in the coming days would be critical. Fortunately, a follow-up MRI conducted earlier this week provided encouraging news about Saibari's condition, suggesting he could be fit within days. As Morocco gears up for a training session in Boston on Tuesday night, Saibari's ability to participate remains uncertain. The coaching staff is faced with a tough decision: whether to risk starting him in the quarterfinals against France, where the stakes are incredibly high. Ouahbi has repeatedly emphasized his desire to field only those players who are fully fit to compete at the highest level.
Both fans and teammates recognize that the team's success hinges significantly on Saibari's involvement in the game. With Youssef En-Nesyri and Hakim Ziyech also in the mix, the pressure is on to deliver against a formidable opponent like France, particularly with Kylian Mbappé in their ranks. Morocco holds on to hope that their number nine will be ready for this crucial encounter, as the dream of reaching the semifinals looms large on the horizon. Whether or not Saibari takes the field, Morocco is determined to make a significant impact in this pivotal match.
As reported by as.com.
