On the eve of the World Cup quarter-final between Morocco and France, Ismael Saibari remains the main question mark in Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad. Injured during the victory against Canada (3-0), the Moroccan midfielder was forced to leave his teammates early in the match after complaining of a muscle strain in his thigh.
Since then, caution has prevailed regarding his physical condition. Absent from collective training sessions, Saibari is the subject of great discretion within the Moroccan camp. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has not communicated any official medical details, thus maintaining uncertainty about his availability for the clash against the Blues.
The FRMF has indeed tightened its communication regarding the health status of its players. In this final stretch, the Moroccan body does not wish to provide precise information on individual situations, in order to protect the group and not to convey any additional elements to the opponent.
Saibari’s absence would represent a significant blow for the Atlas Lions, as his profile brings dynamism, intensity, and precision in the final third. However, Morocco proved against Canada that it knows how to adapt, notably with the decisive entry of Soufiane Rahimi, who scored late in the match.
It remains to be seen whether Saibari will be able to rejoin the group in time, although his presence today seems very uncertain. Mohamed Ouahbi will likely have to prepare for this quarter-final without one of his key offensive players. A new headache for the Moroccan coach, who is already forced to manage without Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, injured against Norway just before the World Cup, as well as without Nayef Aguerd, who is not sufficiently recovered to be available in time.
