Tawfik Bentayeb has been ruled out of Morocco’s match against Gabon after suffering a head injury while playing for Zulte Waregem, despite being medically cleared of any skull fracture or concussion.
The head injury occurred during an aerial duel with Zulte Waregem defender Laurent Lemoine. Bentayeb initially continued playing despite the impact but was withdrawn in the 54th or 55th minute as a precaution.
Before the collision, the forward had produced one of his strongest performances of the season, scoring Anderlecht’s opening goal and being credited with an assist, while also reportedly involved in the buildup to the second and third goals.
Bentayeb was taken to hospital for observation after the match. Medical staff monitored him for several hours before discharging him at approximately 2 a.m. Examinations found no skull fracture and no signs of concussion, according to results communicated by the club, which subsequently declared him fit to travel and join Morocco’s national team camp.
Despite those findings, coach Mohamed Ouahbi has kept Bentayeb in his 29-player squad, though he will not be part of the matchday squad against Gabon. His absence stems not from any confirmed fracture or concussion but from a mandatory recovery period following head trauma. Morocco’s squad also features Nayef Aguerd, a rising defender who has been part of the team’s recent build-up in defense.
FIFA medical protocol requires players who suffer such injuries to follow an individualized recovery programme, with Bentayeb’s expected to last between seven and 10 days. A further medical evaluation will determine his readiness to return, with full clearance depending on approval from medical staff.
Whether he can feature against Lesotho or in the friendly against Ghana will depend on his progress through the recovery protocol and subsequent assessments before those matchday squads are finalized.
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