Ismael Saibari will miss Morocco’s World Cup quarter-final against France on Thursday night due to a hamstring injury, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed. The 25-year-old, who recently completed a move to FC Bayern, sustained the injury during Morocco’s 3-0 win over Canada in the round of 16. Ouahbi expressed hope that the injury wouldn’t sideline Saibari for the remainder of the tournament, but acknowledged the France match comes too soon for his recovery.
Saibari’s absence presents a challenge for Morocco as they prepare to face the reigning World Cup champions. He has become an increasingly important player for the national team, contributing to their surprising run to the quarter-finals. While the specific details of his transfer to Bayern have not been widely publicized, the move signifies a significant step forward in his career, demonstrating his growing reputation within European football.
Ouahbi emphasized the importance of squad depth, stating that all players are ready to contribute. He highlighted the potential impact of players coming off the bench, describing it as a “huge strength” for the team. This suggests Morocco will rely on a collective effort to overcome the loss of Saibari and compete against France.
The match is scheduled to take place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, with a 22:00 CEST kick-off time. Morocco’s journey to the quarter-finals has been marked by strong defensive performances and tactical flexibility, culminating in the convincing victory over Canada. The team will need to maintain this level of performance, despite Saibari’s injury, to stand a chance against France’s formidable attacking lineup. Saibari’s injury could impact Bayern’s pre-season plans, potentially delaying his integration into the squad.
Morocco’s success in the tournament has already exceeded expectations, and their ability to navigate this setback will be crucial as they aim to continue their remarkable run. The availability of other key players and the team’s overall resilience will be vital factors in determining their chances against France.
