BASKING RIDGE, New Jersey — Morocco have suffered a major setback ahead of their FIFA World Cup campaign after winger Abde Ezzalzouli and defender Nayef Aguerd were ruled out through injury.FIFA confirmed late Wednesday that both players have withdrawn from Morocco’s squad before the tournament opener against Brazil on Saturday at MetLife Stadium near New York.Ezzalzouli, who helped Real Betis secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League, had been tipped as one of Morocco’s potential breakout stars at the tournament.The former Barcelona winger suffered a right knee injury during a warm-up match against Norway last weekend. Initial assessments had suggested he could remain with the squad and potentially feature in the knockout stages, but Morocco ultimately opted to replace him.Aguerd’s absence is another significant blow for the Atlas Lions. The Marseille defender played a key role in Morocco’s historic run to the semifinals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, helping the team become the first African nation to reach the last four.Saudi-based defender earns call-upMorocco have called up Amine Sbaï of French club Angers and Marwane Saadane of Saudi Pro League side Al Fateh to replace the injured duo.Saadane’s inclusion provides additional defensive experience as Morocco prepare for a challenging group-stage campaign.Morocco begin their Group C schedule against Brazil before facing Scotland on June 19 near Boston. They will conclude the group stage against Haiti on June 24 in Atlanta.The injury setbacks come at a crucial moment for Morocco, who arrived at the tournament hoping to build on the momentum of their historic 2022 World Cup performance.
BASKING RIDGE, New Jersey — Morocco have suffered a major setback ahead of their FIFA World Cup campaign after winger Abde Ezzalzouli and defender Nayef Aguerd were ruled out through injury.FIFA confirmed late Wednesday that both players have withdrawn from Morocco’s squad before the tournament opener against Brazil on Saturday at MetLife Stadium near New York.Ezzalzouli, who helped Real Betis secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League, had been tipped as one of Morocco’s potential breakout stars at the tournament.The former Barcelona winger suffered a right knee injury during a warm-up match against Norway last weekend. Initial assessments had suggested he could remain with the squad and potentially feature in the knockout stages, but Morocco ultimately opted to replace him.Aguerd’s absence is another significant blow for the Atlas Lions. The Marseille defender played a key role in Morocco’s historic run to the semifinals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, helping the team become the first African nation to reach the last four.Saudi-based defender earns call-upMorocco have called up Amine Sbaï of French club Angers and Marwane Saadane of Saudi Pro League side Al Fateh to replace the injured duo.Saadane’s inclusion provides additional defensive experience as Morocco prepare for a challenging group-stage campaign.Morocco begin their Group C schedule against Brazil before facing Scotland on June 19 near Boston. They will conclude the group stage against Haiti on June 24 in Atlanta.The injury setbacks come at a crucial moment for Morocco, who arrived at the tournament hoping to build on the momentum of their historic 2022 World Cup performance.
