Morocco winger Ismael Saibari has been ruled out of Thursday's 2026 World Cup quarter-final against France.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed Saibari’s absence in a pre-game presser as the North African nation targets a return to the semifinals of the World Cup.
The new Bayern Munich attacker has been one of the Atlas Lions stars' of the tournament, contributing goals in all three of their group fixtures.
However, he needed to be withdrawn during the 22nd minute of the 3-0 victory over Canada in the last 16.
Saibari suffered a hamstring issue that coach Mohamed Ouahbi said would keep him sidelined for the last-eight showdown.
“Everyone’s available, except Saibari, with the match coming too early for him although he’s not out for the rest of the tournament, I hope. Everyone’s available, although we of course will only select the players who are at 100%” Ouahbi said.
Soufiane Rahimi was the player chosen to replace Saibari for the remainder of the game versus Canada.
Rahimi scored Morocco's third goal in that fixture, adding to the goal and assist that he contributed versus Haiti during the group phase.
Although the Al Ain playmaker is yet to start a game in the 2026 World Cup, he has racked up 130 minutes across five substitute appearances. Now with 14 goals from 42 caps for his country, the 30-year-old is expected to be drafted into the first XI.
In better news for Ouahbi, Crystal Palace centre-back Chadi Riad has had more chance to fully recover from a knock, so Redouane Halhal might make way after filling in against Canada.
Captain and right-back Achraf Hakimi will certainly feature in a four-man defence, ahead of vice-captain and Qatar 2022 star Yassine Bounou.
Meanwhile, in midfield, Ounahi has occupied a more advanced role in recent games, taking his tally to 11 international goals.
Both he and playmaker Brahim Diaz usually link up with France-born pair Neil El Aynaoui and Ayyoub Bouaddi, the latter of whom has drawn transfer interest from several major clubs.
After setting up two goals against Canada, key creator Brahim Diaz holds the all-time African record with four World Cup assists; he has also posted 10 goal involvements for his country this year.
Morocco predicted starting lineup: Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Rahimi
Morocco must try to finally beat France within 90 minutes at the seventh time of asking, having lost four of six meetings so far.
The only competitive contest took place at Qatar 2022, with a 2-0 semi-final defeat ending the Moroccans' magnificent run at that finals.
Once again, the Atlas Lions have gone five games unbeaten to start a World Cup before running into Les Bleus, as they continue to break new ground for African football.
