Will miss the World Cup? Morocco winger injury update ahead of Group C opener

Spanish reports confirm the winger will miss up to four weeks

Africa Today at 11:23

Khaled Hegazy

News Editor

Will miss the World Cup? Morocco winger injury update ahead of Group C opener

13.06.26 18:00 World Cup

Brazil

Morocco

Moroccan winger Abde Ezzalzouli underwent medical scans following Sunday's friendly in the USA deciding his World Cup fate after a sudden injury.

The official diagnosis

According to the Spanish newspaper "Marca" comprehensive medical examinations confirmed that Ezzalzouli suffered a moderate sprain in his knee ligaments.

This clinical diagnosis dispels earlier rumors suggesting the electric forward would be entirely ruled out of the 2026 tournament.

Medical experts estimate a recovery timeline spanning between 2 to 4 week. Despite this extended absence, the Moroccan technical staff has boldly decided against removing him from the final roster preserving his spot for the latter stages of the competition.

Moment yang menyebabkan Abde Ezzalzouli mengalami cedera 🇲🇦pic.twitter.com/NKSLS3T4Id
— Siaran Bola Live (@SiaranBolaLive) June 9, 2026

The cost of the Norway friendly

The physical setback occurred during Sunday's intense 1-1 exhibition draw against Norway.

Ezzalzouli was forced to leave the pitch prematurely joining defensive teammate Noussair Mazraoui on the growing casualty list. This dual injury blow creates an immediate tactical headache for the coaching staff as they prepare to navigate Group C which features formidable opponents in Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.

A calculated tactical gamble

Retaining a compromised player on a strict 26 man roster is a massive risk but Ezzalzouli’s unique profile justifies the gamble.

His elite ability to isolate fullbacks, drive into the penalty area and create sudden scoring opportunities makes him an irreplaceable attacking asset.

By keeping him embedded within the camp, the technical team hopes he will be fully rehabilitated and match fit for the knockout stages assuming the squad can survive their highly demanding group fixtures without his direct offensive contributions.

🚨💣 Le correspondant de @arryadiatv confirme une nouvelle fois que, jusqu’à présent, rien n’indique une blessure grave pour Ez Abde. 🇲🇦🤩

Ce qui est certain pour le moment, c’est que le staff médical fait tout son possible pour qu’il soit 𝗗𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥 contre l’Écosse. pic.twitter.com/Z5CEZfh2YA
— FRMFXtra (@FRMFXtra) June 9, 2026

A legendary precedent

Carrying an injured star into a World Cup is a terrifying prospect for any manager but history proves it can yield historic results.

During the 2010 tournament in South Africa, Spain faced a nearly identical crisis with Andrés Iniesta. The midfield maestro suffered a severe thigh injury right before the competition began, yet manager Vicente del Bosque flatly refused to drop him from the squad.

Iniesta missed the opening fixture but fully recovered to score the iconic tournament winning goal in the final against the Netherlands.

The Atlas Lions will be desperately hoping Ezzalzouli can script a similarly triumphant comeback story if they advance deep into the North American showpiece.