Morocco dealt double injury blow ahead of World Cup clash with Brazil
Morocco are in Group C along with Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. They start their campaign on Saturday, June 13.
Morocco have officially confirmed that Abde will miss the World Cup. The winger, who plays for Spanish first division side Betis, was injured during the team’s recent friendly against Norway, and initial tests had already pointed to the worst-case scenario.
A Grade 2 sprain of the medial collateral ligament in one of his knees is expected to sideline him for between four and six weeks.
The 24-year-old was expected to play a significant role for the Atlas Lions and was projected to start on the left wing, with Brahim Díaz on the opposite flank. National team coach Mohamed Ouahbi had placed considerable trust in the Betis player.
Morocco are in Group C, and open their World Cup campaign this Saturday against mighty Brazil (kick off at 6 p.m. ET). They then face Scotland and their Tartan Army on Friday 19 June (kick off at 6 p.m. ET), with their final game against expected group minnows Haiti (6 p.m. ET).
Morocco hit by double injury
Meanwhile, Nayef Aguerd, the Marseille center back and former Real Sociedad player, has also been ruled out through injury after withdrawing from the squad at the last minute.
Morocco have called up Amine Sbaï and Marwane Saadane, who play for Angers and Saudi club Al Fateh, respectively, as replacements.
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