Ismael Saibari injury delivers a timely setback for Morocco ahead of their FIFA World Cup quarter-final against France, with the influential forward ruled out due to a hamstring issue. Mohamed Ouahbi said during the press conference ahead of the match that the clash is too early for the 25-year-old attacker.
Saibari suffered the injury in the 3-0 RO16 win against Canada in the US city of Houston, ending his stint in the game 22 minutes into the second round fight. His early move led to instant questions for all concerned, as he starts to feature heavily in the closing moments of attacks in Morocco and his pressing buildup.
After the game, Saibari went through extensive post-match medical testing, including an MRI scan upon team arrival in Boston. Early diagnosis suggests that his injury is not serious enough to stop him playing in the tournament, but is expected to keep him away until after the France match.
Morocco is now in a crucial transition period, from a strategic point of view. Saibari’s departure takes away a potent option in the attacking midfield that could be used to connect midfield passing to the final third of the pitch. The move might result in a change in Morocco’s attacking system, and it could lead to a wider-side or a different centre option.
The defeat did not dampen Ouahbi’s spirits as he said that the rest of the squad are fit and ready. The coaching staff is confident of Saibari’s return should Morocco make it to the next round at the tournament, despite the brain injury he received last year.
