Morocco will be without influential midfielder Ismael Saibari for their highly anticipated World Cup quarter-final against France after head coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed the Bayern Munich star is not yet ready to return.
Saibari had been racing against time to recover in time for the blockbuster encounter, but Morocco’s coaching staff have decided not to risk the 25-year-old, opting for a cautious approach to his rehabilitation.
Despite the disappointment, Ouahbi remains optimistic that the midfielder will recover in time should the Atlas Lions progress to the semi-finals.
Softfootball understands that Saibari’s absence comes as a significant blow for Morocco, with the playmaker playing a key role throughout the tournament before his injury setback. His creativity and attacking influence have been vital to Morocco’s impressive run, making his unavailability a major concern against one of the tournament favourites.
However, Morocco have already shown remarkable resilience during the competition and will hope other attacking stars can rise to the occasion as they seek another famous World Cup result.
The Atlas Lions face a daunting challenge against a star-studded French side, but confidence remains high within the camp as they aim to keep their dream of lifting a first-ever World Cup title alive. Should Morocco overcome France, Ouahbi is hopeful Saibari will be available to strengthen his squad for the next stage of the tournament.
