Knee injury: Ezzalzouli hopes to return for Morocco's second World Cup match

Abde Ezzalzouli will likely not be available for Morocco’s World Cup opener against Brazil on June 14, but the Atlas Lions’ coaching staff hope to have him back for the second group match against Scotland on June 20.

The 24-year-old Betis Sevilla winger collapsed late in the first half during Morocco’s final warm-up match against Norway (1-1) on Sunday following an aerial duel. Substituted at half-time, he was diagnosed with a right knee internal ligament sprain. While several media outlets initially suggested he could miss the entire tournament, a correspondent for Moroccan broadcaster Arryadia TV reported a more reassuring update, citing the national team’s medical staff: Ezzalzouli, expected to start on the left wing, would retain his place in Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad and would undergo intensive treatment to be fit as soon as possible.

Ezzalzouli is not the only Atlas Lion to leave the pitch injured against Norway. Noussair Mazraoui also came off in the 29th minute after a shoulder impact. The Manchester United full-back is also uncertain for the opening match against Brazil. To these two potential absences is added that of Nayef Aguerd, still recovering from surgery for a groin injury that caused him to miss the end of the season with Olympique de Marseille.

Morocco, defending African champions, had approached this preparation window with confidence, thrashing Madagascar 4-0 last Tuesday. The draw conceded against Norway — a future opponent of France in the competition — has therefore left its mark on the squad less than three weeks before the World Cup kicks off.