Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi is expected to miss approximately two-and-a-half to three months after suffering a serious hamstring injury during Panathinaikos’ 5-1 victory over Asteras Tripolis on Sunday, October 18.
The 26-year-old underwent an MRI scan on Monday, with Greek media reporting a severe injury to the biceps femoris muscle in his right thigh.
According to Greek broadcaster ERT and Sport24, Ounahi is unlikely to return to competitive football before the beginning of 2027.
Panathinaikos has publicly expressed support for the midfielder but has not issued a detailed official recovery timetable.
Ounahi injured during Panathinaikos victory
Ounahi started Sunday’s Greek Super League match at the Olympic Stadium in Athens but was forced off in the 19th minute after suffering the injury during the opening stages.
The Moroccan international required medical assistance and was taken from the field on a stretcher.
Initial assessments raised concerns about the extent of the injury, which were subsequently supported by Monday’s MRI findings.
Sport24 reported that Ounahi faces an extended rehabilitation period, while ERT placed his expected absence at approximately two-and-a-half months.
The injury also affects Panathinaikos’ European campaign. The Greek club has moved to replace Ounahi with Pedro Chirivella on its Conference League squad list.
Ounahi had returned to Panathinaikos in September, completing a permanent transfer from Girona after previously spending the 2024–25 season on loan with the Athens club.
He had made eight appearances and scored three goals since rejoining the team.
Morocco expected to be without Ounahi against Niger
The injury comes less than a month before Morocco’s next two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Atlas Lions are scheduled to face Niger on November 13 in Casablanca and November 17 in Rabat.
Based on the recovery estimates reported in Greece, Ounahi is unlikely to be available for either match.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has not yet announced his November squad or confirmed which players will replace any unavailable midfielders.
Ounahi was included in Morocco’s 29-man squad for the September international window, when the team defeated Gabon and Lesotho to begin its AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign with six points.
His expected absence removes an experienced central midfield option ahead of the Niger double-header.
Further updates from Panathinaikos will help establish a more precise recovery schedule.
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