48 Critical Hours.. Morocco Awaits the Fate of Al-Zalzouli

SadaNews - There is a state of intense anticipation for the results of the tests conducted on Real Betis wing and Atlas Lions player Abde Samad Al-Zalzouli after he sustained a serious injury to his right knee during the international friendly match in preparation for the 2026 World Cup against Norway (1-1) on Sunday in New Jersey.

Al-Zalzouli, who assisted in the first goal scored by the Spanish Real Madrid striker Ibrahim Diaz for his national team, was injured in stoppage time of the first half, and he left the field with the help of the Moroccan national team doctor and his assistant, allowing substitute Sufyan Rahimi from Al Ain, UAE, to take his place at the beginning of the second half.

Everyone is Waiting for Al-Zalzouli

A Moroccan source informed the French news agency that "everyone is waiting for the results of the tests conducted on Al-Zalzouli to understand the severity of his injury and the possibility of his recovery in time before the World Cup or afterwards."

He added, "The Moroccan Federation cannot currently issue a statement regarding Al-Zalzouli's injury and whether it will keep him out of the finals. We must wait 48 hours to know the details of the injury and then make the appropriate decision."

He clarified that reports indicating he would be absent for three to four weeks or even excluded from the finals "remain mere speculations, and the results of the tests will be decisive regarding his participation or not."

Not the Only Blow

Al-Zalzouli's injury was the second blow for Morocco in their friendly against Norway, as Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui had sustained a shoulder injury, specifically in the 30th minute of the first half, and he was replaced by Egyptian Al Ahly defender Youssef Belaïli.

Moroccan coach Mohamed Wahbi stated after the match that what concerns him most is the injuries of Al-Zalzouli and Mazraoui, which he "hopes are not serious."

He added, "The medical staff is closely monitoring the condition of Abde Samad Al-Zalzouli and Noussair Mazraoui, waiting to determine their readiness for the match against Brazil."

Mazraoui's injury is a setback for the Atlas Lions' coach, as his substitute, PSV Eindhoven left-back Anas Salah Al-Din, has been absent from recent training sessions due to injury.

Belaïli will be the only left-back candidate to face Brazil if Mazraoui and Salah Al-Din continue to be unavailable.

On another note, Marseille's French defender Nayef Aguerd continues his recovery from surgery to treat ongoing pain in the groin area that has prevented him from participating with his team in the final stages of the French league.

Source: French Agency