Morocco are concerned about injuries to starters Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Noussair Mazraoui, who could be forced to sit out their opening World Cup game against Brazil on Saturday (13).
Both left during the 1-1 draw with Norway on Sunday (7), the African team’s last preparation game before the start of the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States this week.
Ezzalzouli, striker for Spain’s Betis, was substituted at half-time after suffering a leg injury, while Mazraoui, Manchester United’s right-back, left the field in the 29th minute due to a shoulder problem. This occurred in a difficult match, in which Morocco was ahead on the scoreboard, but Norway equalized with 15 minutes remaining.
“We left a good impression even though we didn’t win because we really showed some very good things against a very good opponent,” coach Mohamed Ouahbi told reporters.
“That’s the whole point of playing against teams like that. When you make so many changes (ten in total), it’s difficult for the player, but it was important to manage everyone’s playing time.”
“Two players were injured. We’re waiting to see how serious it is. I’m more worried about that,” added the coach.
Morocco was a semi-finalist in the 2022 World Cup and generates expectations for another good performance in the 2026 World Cup. The team debuts in Group C against the Brazilian team.
