Abde Ezzalzouli ruled out, Morocco forced to rethink attack before Brazil | OneFootball

Morocco have lost Abde Ezzalzouli for the World Cup, a major setback before Brazil in the night from Saturday to Sunday, midnight French time. Nayef Aguerd’s expected absence adds to the disruption.

According to L'Équipe, Aguerd is still recovering from pubalgia surgery, while Ezzalzouli suffered a knee ligament sprain against Norway on 7 June, a 1-1 friendly, and needs several weeks’ rest. Hopes he might return after the group phase were dropped as Mohamed Ouahbi and the medical staff confirmed his withdrawal.

Ezzalzouli’s early caps before the 2022 World Cup were often flat, yet with Betis Seville he posted 10 goals and nine assists this season. He grew into a key piece at the AFCON despite erratic finishing, and even versus Norway sliced a gilt edged volley over.

His pace, depth and dribbling balanced Brahim Diaz on the right and Ismael Saibari as a converted striker. Ouahbi has called up Amine Sbaï of Angers to replace him, not Sofiane Boufal from the pre-camp, keeping faith with renewal and profile fit.

Soufiane Rahimi of Al-Aïn is the likeliest starter against Brazil, having replaced Ezzalzouli versus Norway and offering depth and runs. At 30, he brings experience from 37 caps. Shifting Saibari left to start Ayoub El Kaabi would change the plan for a mobile nine.

Chemsdine Talbi is another possibility, but he arrived with a knock and owns only one start, so Brazil may come too soon. The defence should be unchanged despite Aguerd’s loss, with Issa Diop and Chadi Riad set to begin.

Source: L'Équipe