According to national television in Morocco, the medical team for the 'Atlas Lions' is making every effort to ensure that the Real Betis winger, Ez Abde, is ready for the second match of the group stage against Scotland, scheduled for Saturday, June 20. The club is closely monitoring updates from the Moroccan Football Federation regarding Abde's physical condition. Although his participation in the World Cup is uncertain due to a knee injury sustained during a friendly match against Norway last Sunday, the Moroccan team remains hopeful and is advancing with plans to utilize one of their key players.
The Moroccan strategy involves a crucial 48-hour period of reflection before making a definitive decision on Abde's status. Following a reduction in inflammation around the injured area, the player will undergo more comprehensive medical examinations, including an MRI, to assess the severity of his condition. Initial assessments suggested a sprained medial collateral ligament, which could sideline him for three to four weeks, potentially leading to an early exit from the tournament.
However, there is also a possibility that the injury is less severe, which could shorten his recovery time. Speculations hinted at a two to three-week recovery period, which would still rule him out for the debut match against Brazil this coming Sunday. Nevertheless, according to Arryadia TV, the Moroccan medical team is striving to ensure Abde is fit for their match against Scotland on June 20.
Abde's determination to participate in the World Cup is palpable, and he is likely to contribute his utmost efforts towards recovery, though the team at La Cartuja will be vigilant to ensure that such efforts do not lead to further complications. Even if he does not make it back in time for the Scotland match, he might remain with the squad for the third game against debutant Haiti on Thursday, June 25. However, indications suggest he may ultimately be withdrawn from the squad altogether.
It is worth noting that teams can replace injured players on their rosters until 11:59 PM the day before their debut; therefore, Morocco has until Saturday to make any necessary adjustments. Speculations have already begun regarding potential replacements, with names like young winger Othmane Maamma from Watford and veteran Sofiane Boufal, currently with Le Havre, being mentioned. Both were included in the preliminary squad prior to the final cut.
Concerns arose last Sunday during the friendly against Norway when, just before halftime, former Betis defender Chadi Riad collided with Alexander Sorloth and fell, hitting Abde's right knee, which was planted on the ground. The winger immediately went down, visibly in pain, and left the pitch limping, raising fears of a serious injury.
If the worst-case scenario is confirmed, it would undoubtedly be a significant blow for Abde, who was expected to be one of the key assets for a team that reached the World Cup semifinals in Qatar four years ago with him in the squad. Prior to his injury, he had already recorded his fifth assist in 37 international appearances after a brilliant run down the flank that allowed him to set up Brahim Díaz for a goal, confirming his exceptional form. He recently achieved impressive career statistics, scoring 15 goals and providing 13 assists in 43 matches, thus enhancing his market value to 40 million euros, according to the latest updates from the specialized website Transfermarkt.
As reported by estadiodeportivo.com.
