Before announcing his squad on Wednesday, November 4, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora, the national team coach must finalize his selections for the two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers scheduled for November 13 and 17.
El Kaabi’s absence is already confirmed. The 33-year-old Moroccan striker fractured his tibia in September during a league match against Volos in Greece. He underwent surgery and is now in rehabilitation, with recovery expected to take six to seven months. While recent updates on his progress have been encouraging, he is not anticipated to return to competition for several months.
Ounahi will also miss both matches. The Panathinaikos midfielder suffered a complete tear of the right biceps femoris tendon on October 18 against Asteras. He underwent successful surgery and is expected to be sidelined for a significant portion of the season.
Rahimi’s availability, meanwhile, remains doubtful. The 30-year-old striker, who had a strong start to the season, was forced off after approximately 30 minutes against Shabab Al Ahli on October 22 due to a hamstring injury. His absence is expected to last at least three weeks, seriously jeopardizing his chances of joining the upcoming national team camp.
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Saibari’s situation has now been clarified. The Moroccan attacking midfielder left the pitch injured during the 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, October 31, following a collision with goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. He sustained a rupture of the syndesmotic ligament in his right ankle and underwent successful surgery the following day. His recovery is expected to take around three months, ruling him out of the international break and depriving Ouahbi of an important midfield option.
En-Nesyri, Belahyane, and Harit could get their chance
These absences could provide an opportunity for other players to return to the national team.
Up front, Youssef En-Nesyri could be recalled. The Al-Ittihad striker has not been selected since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but his recent performances in Saudi Arabia could work in his favor. Having scored several goals at the start of the season, he is regaining his finishing touch and could help cover for the absence of El Kaabi and Rahimi.
In midfield, Lazio’s Reda Belahyane could also be in contention. He has been making regular appearances and showing promising form in Serie A. His recent performances could put him back in Ouahbi’s plans, particularly with Ounahi unavailable.
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Another player to watch is Amine Harit. The Olympique de Marseille attacking midfielder is gradually regaining playing time, confidence, and his scoring touch. His latest outings, including two goals in eight days, indicate a return to form. A recall could be considered for the Marseille player, who has not featured for Morocco since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations under Walid Regragui.
With some absences confirmed and others still uncertain, Ouahbi will announce his squad this Wednesday, potentially with a few surprises.
The camp will give several players a chance to make their case and strengthen their standing with the coach ahead of Morocco’s upcoming commitments, particularly the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place next summer in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
