Saibari Out, Morocco Deprived of Top Scorer for France Clash

Ismael Saibari will not take the pitch Thursday evening in the World Cup quarter-final between Morocco and France. The attacking midfielder and Morocco’s leading scorer in the competition with three goals has not recovered in time from a thigh injury sustained in the first half against Canada.

The information was confirmed by manager Mohamed Ouahbi at the pre-match press conference. “Everyone is available, except Ismael Saibari. This match comes a bit too soon for him. But he will not be ruled out for the rest of the competition, I hope,” he said. The reassuring statements from the Moroccan staff since the player’s injury have therefore not been enough to mask the medical reality.

The loss is significant for the Atlas Lions. A new Bayern Munich signing and former PSV Eindhoven player, Saibari had established himself as a central cog in Morocco’s system since the tournament kicked off. To replace him, Mohamed Ouahbi is expected to turn to Soufiane Rahimi, the Al-Aïn striker credited with 14 goals in 42 caps, who scored Morocco’s goal against Canada in added time.

One piece of good news tempers this setback: defender Chadi Riad, who was ruled out against Canada due to knee pain, was able to train normally on Wednesday and is vying for a starting spot. “We will have to choose players who will be at 100%,” the manager cautioned nonetheless. If Riad was not deemed fit, Redouane Halhal would occupy the central defensive position again.

Morocco’s probable lineup: Bounou – Hakimi, Diop, Halhal, Mazraoui – Bouaddi, Ounahi, El-Aynaoui – Diaz, Rahimi, El-Khanouss.