Morocco have been forced to reshape their squad before the World Cup after injuries ruled out two key players. Forward Abde Ezzalzouli, 24, of Real Betis, will miss four to six weeks after tearing his knee in a collision with teammate Chadi Riad in a 1-1 friendly against Norway.
Defender Nayef Aguerd, 30, formerly of West Ham and now at Marseille, has been ruled out by a groin problem — he has not played since 4 March. Amine Sbai, a 23-year-old forward from Angers, and 34-year-old defender Marwane Saadane of Al-Fateh in Saudi Arabia have been called in as replacements.
Captain Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain, 27, overcame fitness doubts and played 65 minutes against Norway despite a thigh injury sustained in the Champions League semi-final against Bayern on 28 April. He featured in the full final victory over Arsenal.
Morocco open their campaign against Brazil on 13 June, followed by Scotland in Boston (19 June) and Haiti in Atlanta (24 June). The loss of an experienced defender will significantly impact their group stage: Aguerd's absence weakens their backline, widening spreads against opponents, especially against Brazil.
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