Why isn’t Ismael Saibari playing for Morocco in the quarterfinals match against France?
The Bayern Munich midfielder is Morocco’s top scorer at the World Cup with three goals. He has been in a race to be fit for this crucial game.
Morocco have the chance to secure a place in the World Cup semi-finals for the second consecutive time, and will be up against the team that denied them a place in the final in Qatar four years ago - France.
Both teams head into this evening’s quarterfinal with injury concerns - France’s Aurélien Tchouaméni picked up a groin strain in training, meanwhile Morocco will have to make do without Ismael Saibari, who fell injured in the last round.
What injury does Ismael Saibari have?
Saibari, who has started all five of Morocco’s games at the tournament, limped out of the Round of 16 tie against Canada after just 22 minutes. Tests revealed an injury to the player’s hamstring. The Bayern Munich midfielder has been following a a special recovery program but was unable to take part in Tuesday’s training session which wasn’t a good sign.
“I haven’t spoken with the doctor yet,” Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi explained. “Saibari has pain in his thigh.”
Morocco’s top scorer at World Cup 2026
Saibari‘s absence is a big loss for Ouahbi, who will be without a key player - one who scored in all three of the group stage games and converted the decisive penalty in the shootout against the Netherlands.
Soufiane Rahimi replaced Saibari in four games at this World Cup. He is an out-and-out center-forward who has similar figures to Saibari with the national team although he tends to come off the bench. He has two goals and one assist at the current World Cup. Saibari and Rahimi are among the 15 subs who start on the bench.
We’ll have to see what Ouahbi has up his sleeve. The coach included winger Chemsdine Talbi who makes his second start at the tournament. It looks like he will occupy the left wing and leave either El Khannouss or Ounahi to move into a more central role. Alternatively, Brahim could move into the center with Talbi on the right, or vice-versa.
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