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Difficult confrontations await Morocco
Morocco have been dealt a painful blow just days before the start of the 2026 World Cup after it was confirmed that Real Betis’ Spanish star Abdel Samad Zalzouli has suffered a moderate knee ligament tear that will keep him out for two to four weeks.
Medical sources close to the Moroccan team said, according to website Foot Mercato, that Zalzouli’s further tests revealed a moderate knee ligament tear after he was injured in the World Cup’s 1-1 friendly draw against Norway in the final.
Absence from the group stage
According to medical reports, the recovery period could take at least two weeks, meaning Zizuli will miss the first round of the World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada and will not return until the knockout stage if Morocco can qualify for the round of 32.
Morocco will face Brazil, Scotland and Haiti in the group stage in a tough group where Zalzouli should be one of the most prominent attacking players given his brilliant performances for Real Betis this season.
Wehby keeps him on the list
Despite the injury, Morocco coach Mohamed Uebe decided to keep him in the final World Cup squad as he wanted to use him later in the tournament, especially if the Atlas Lions qualified for the knockout stages.
This decision is considered a bet by Wahbi, who is betting on Zalzouli’s quick return and recovery of his physical and technical level, given his great importance to the attack of the Moroccan national team.
