Just days before the kickoff of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted in Morocco from December 21 to January 18, bad news continues to pile up for the Atlas Lions. Coach Hoalid Regragui’s squad is facing a real injury crisis. Already without Achraf Hakimi, who is racing against time to be fit, Morocco now sees two more players leave their Europa League match prematurely: Sofyan Amrabat and Souffian El Karouani.
The first incident occurs in the 13th minute. Sofyan Amrabat is forced to leave after a violent and accidental clash with Isco. In a seemingly innocuous play, the Moroccan midfielder attempts to strike the ball powerfully, but his teammate finds himself in the way. Both men collapse to the ground, and Amrabat must exit, unable to continue.
Minutes later, another blow: Souffian El Karouani collapses after being struck head-on by Betis goalkeeper Michael Brouwer. The Moroccan full-back remains dazed and must leave his teammates as well.
Morocco is now hoping for reassuring news: Hakimi, Amrabat, and El Karouani are all uncertain or weakened as the continental event approaches.
