Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi faces several injury-related selection decisions ahead of Wednesday’s squad announcement for the Atlas Lions’ November Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Niger.
Ismael Saibari and Azzedine Ounahi have both undergone surgery following serious injuries, while forward Ayoub El Kaabi and defender Chadi Riad are recovering from longer-term setbacks. Soufiane Rahimi, Ilias Akhomach and Soufiane El-Faouzi are also dealing with fitness problems.
The injuries affect different areas of Morocco’s squad, with the most significant immediate concerns in central midfield and attack.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has confirmed that Ouahbi will announce his squad on Wednesday, November 4, at 11 a.m. Morocco time, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.
Morocco will face Niger in Casablanca on November 13 before meeting the same opponents in Rabat on November 17.
Saibari and Ounahi surgeries leave Morocco short in midfield
The most recent setback concerns Ismael Saibari, who sustained a right ankle injury during Bayern Munich’s 2-2 Bundesliga draw against Borussia Dortmund on October 31.
Bayern confirmed on November 1 that the 25-year-old Morocco international had torn the syndesmotic ligament in his right ankle and undergone successful surgery.
The German club has not announced an expected return date.
As previously reported in Atlas Lions Insider’s coverage of Saibari’s ankle surgery, the midfielder’s recovery creates considerable doubt over his availability for the November fixtures.
Saibari’s injury follows another serious setback involving Azzedine Ounahi.
The 26-year-old Panathinaikos midfielder underwent surgery on October 29 to repair a torn tendon in his right hamstring.
Panathinaikos indicated an expected recovery period of four to five months, ruling out his participation in the upcoming international window.
The two injuries remove different options from Morocco’s midfield.
Ounahi offers ball progression, close control and passing through central areas. Saibari provides a more direct attacking presence, with the ability to advance into the penalty area and support the forwards.
Their simultaneous absences could require Ouahbi to reconsider how Morocco distribute creative and attacking responsibilities across midfield.
Morocco’s midfield alternatives face a selection opportunity
Morocco still have several midfielders capable of contributing against Niger.
Bilal El Khannouss, Neil El Aynaoui and Ayyoub Bouaddi offer different combinations of passing, movement and defensive support. Reda Belahyane has also attracted attention following his recent appearances for Lazio.
However, their availability and selection for November have not yet been confirmed.
El Khannouss can operate between midfield and attack, while El Aynaoui offers a deeper midfield option. Bouaddi’s technical ability provides another possibility for maintaining possession and connecting play.
None should automatically be treated as a direct replacement for either Ounahi or Saibari.
The key question for Ouahbi is how to maintain balance in midfield while replacing players whose contributions extend beyond a single position.
The coach’s November selection will offer the first indication of his preferred solution.
Rahimi and El Kaabi raise further attacking concerns
Morocco’s injury situation extends into the forward line.
Soufiane Rahimi has not returned to regular action following the apparent hamstring injury he suffered during Al Ain’s UAE President’s Cup match against Shabab Al Ahli on October 22.
The 30-year-old forward left that match in the 27th minute.
Reports have raised doubts about his participation in November, although Al Ain have not announced a definitive recovery timetable.
The uncertainty follows the initial incident covered in Atlas Lions Insider’s Rahimi injury report.
Ayoub El Kaabi is also recovering from a leg fracture sustained earlier in the season with Olympiacos.
Moroccan reporting indicates that the striker remains in rehabilitation and is not expected to be available for the Niger matches.
The potential absence of both players would reduce Ouahbi’s established options in central attacking positions.
Youssef En-Nesyri remains a possible alternative, while Yassir Zabiri’s performances for Racing Santander have strengthened his case for further international involvement.
Zabiri recently scored the winning goal against Espanyol, continuing a productive start to the Spanish league season.
However, strong club form does not guarantee selection, and Ouahbi has yet to confirm his preferred forwards for November.
Akhomach and El-Faouzi remain fitness doubts
Two other Morocco internationals face uncertain availability.
Villarreal winger Ilias Akhomach has been dealing with muscular discomfort and missed the club’s recent Copa del Rey fixture.
The extent of the problem and his expected return date have not been firmly established.
Schalke midfielder Soufiane El-Faouzi suffered a broken nose and a forehead wound during his team’s October 24 match against Cologne.
Schalke confirmed the injuries following medical examinations but did not set a date for his return.
The club stated that a decision about his availability would be made individually.
The situation is detailed in Atlas Lions Insider’s report on El-Faouzi’s injury.
Unlike the long-term injuries affecting Saibari and Ounahi, the current information does not establish whether Akhomach or El-Faouzi will miss the full November international window.
Chadi Riad’s absence affects defensive depth
Chadi Riad is another player facing an extended period away from competitive football.
The Crystal Palace defender suffered a serious knee injury during the club’s August match against Everton and has remained sidelined.
His absence reduces Morocco’s available options at centre-back, particularly among left-footed defenders.
However, the defensive situation differs from the injuries in midfield and attack, where several players who have featured prominently in recent international matches are unavailable or doubtful at the same time.
Ouahbi must therefore assess both the immediate starting lineup and the depth of his squad across the two Niger fixtures.
What Morocco’s November 4 squad announcement will clarify
The FRMF has scheduled the squad announcement for Wednesday, November 4.
Morocco will then prepare for two matches against Niger in Group A of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The November fixtures in Casablanca and Rabat give Ouahbi a short period to assemble his squad and prepare for the double-header.
The most important questions concern the midfield positions vacated by Saibari and Ounahi, the forward options available if Rahimi and El Kaabi remain sidelined, and whether Akhomach or El-Faouzi recover in time for selection.
The squad announcement will confirm which players Ouahbi has chosen, although individual medical decisions and late fitness assessments could still affect availability.
For Morocco, the immediate task is to maintain continuity in the qualifying campaign while adjusting to a series of injuries across the team.
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