Morocco set to pick Chadi Riad but not Ismael Saibari for France quarter-final | OneFootball

Morocco should have Crystal Palace centre-back Chadi Riad available to face France in the World Cup quarter-final on Thursday at 22:00. Ismael Saibari will miss out with a muscle injury.

According to L'Équipe, Morocco trained on Wednesday with almost a full group. Riad, who hurt a knee against Canada, completed the session. He is expected to reunite with Issa Diop in central defence unless he suffers a late setback.

Saibari has not recovered, which is a blow given his form. He has scored three goals in five matches at this tournament.

Morocco must tread carefully on discipline. Five players, Hakimi, Ounahi, Diop, El Khannouss and Halhal, are on yellow cards. With a referee who issues more cards than average, they will want to avoid needless fouls that could trigger suspensions if they go through.

Probable Morocco XI to face France: Bounou - Hakimi (cap.), Diop, Riad, Mazraoui - Bouaddi, El Aynaoui - B.Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss - Rahimi.

Source: L'Équipe