Ezzalzouli’s long road back to fitness is nearing its final stretch. The Moroccan winger picked up a knee ligament sprain during a friendly between Morocco and Norway shortly before the 2026 World Cup, an injury that ultimately forced his withdrawal from the national squad after he failed to recover in time. What followed was a lengthy period on the sidelines, with the issue officially logged as starting around 9 August 2026 and an expected return window set for early September.
A knee ligament sprain suffered against Norway forced Ezzalzouli out of Morocco’s World Cup squad, with recovery targeted for early September.
Real Betis handled the early stages of his recovery with caution. Ezzalzouli spent the first phase of rehabilitation working individually with the club’s medical staff in Seville, away from group sessions. That approach, according to sporting director Manu Fajardo, has produced positive results, with the player showing strong adherence to a programme built around gradual strengthening, restoring shooting power, and avoiding any setback.
That patience appears to be paying off. Ezzalzouli has now rejoined Betis for the second phase of pre-season preparations, and this week he took part in a full team training session for the first time since the injury. It marks a meaningful step forward and puts him in contention for the upcoming friendly against Inter, suggesting his rehabilitation cycle is nearing completion. His importance to this process is heightened by his standing as one of the Atlas Lions’ most dynamic wingers, a role he has cultivated through his pace, dribbling, and directness in attack for the Morocco national team, a trait he shares with fellow countryman Achraf Hakimi, another dynamic trailblazer for the Atlas Lions.
Still, question marks remain. Mid-August listings continue to reference the knee problem, a reminder that this is a late-stage recovery rather than a finished one. Club medical staff have cleared him for collective training, but any competitive return will depend on further fitness assessments and input from the coaching staff.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini has already downplayed hopes of seeing him at full physical condition for the season opener, stressing that extra time will be needed to reach his best level.
Ezzalzouli missed Betis’s preseason trip to Dublin and the friendly against Arsenal while continuing his individual work in Seville, further limiting his tactical integration. Even so, recent reports suggest he could be included in the squad for the La Liga opener against Real Sociedad, likely in a limited capacity as the club continues to prioritize a careful, injury-free return to competition.
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