Achraf: Injured Real Madrid man withdraws from Morocco squad

Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi has withdrawn from the Atlas Lions' friendlies against Serbia and Uzbekistan due to injury.

The 19-year-old Real Madrid player suffered the problem during Morocco's first training session in Turin ahead of Friday’s match against Serbia.

"Achraf Hakimi was injured during the first day of training with the national team," Morocco’s national football team doctor Abderrazak Hifti said in a video statement.

"The situation is still unclear but Real Madrid have demanded his return to Madrid."

Morocco hit by injuries

Three Morocco players have withdrawn from the squad with injuries.

Along with Hakimi, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and midfielder Youssef Ait Bennasser have also pulled out.

"Youssef Ait Bennasser and Yassine Bounou came here to Turin in order to pass the medical exams to confirm their unavailability for 10 days," Hifiti told an interview with Le360.

"They're forfeiting [the match] and will leave the group."

After securing a place in the World Cup for the first time in 20 years, Morocco will aim to begin their preparations on a positive note.

The Lions kick off their campaign in Russia against Iran in Saint Petersburg on June 15.