Aguerd Ruled Out of World Cup as Morocco Make Two Changes to Squad

By Angu Lesley

Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

Morocco have been dealt a major setback ahead of the FIFA World Cup after the Royal Moroccan Football Federation confirmed that defender Nayef Aguerd and winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli have both been ruled out of the tournament through injury.

The two key players will play no part in the Atlas Lions’ World Cup campaign, forcing head coach Walid Regragui to make late changes to his squad.

To replace the injured duo, the federation has called up Marwane Saâdane and Amine Sbaï, who will now have the opportunity to represent Morocco on football’s biggest stage.

The absence of Aguerd is expected to be particularly significant for Morocco’s defence. The experienced centre-back has been one of the pillars of the national team in recent years and played a crucial role in the country’s historic run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Meanwhile, the withdrawal of Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, popularly known as Ez Abde, deprives Morocco of one of their most dangerous attacking options. The winger’s pace, creativity and dribbling ability had made him an important member of Regragui’s squad.

Morocco captured global attention in Qatar 2022 by becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final. The Atlas Lions topped a group containing Croatia, Belgium and Canada before eliminating Spain on penalties in the Round of 16 and stunning Portugal in the quarter-finals. Their historic journey eventually ended with defeats to France in the semi-finals and Croatia in the third-place match.

The inclusion of Saâdane and Sbaï presents both players with a chance to make their mark at the global tournament. Their call-ups come at a crucial moment as Morocco prepare for Group C clashes against Brazil, Scotland and Haiti.

Despite the double injury setback, expectations remain high for the Atlas Lions, who will be hoping that the new additions can seamlessly integrate into the squad and help the team compete strongly on the world stage.

Moroccan supporters will now be hoping that the remainder of the squad stays fit as the North African giants prepare for another attempt to make history at the FIFA World Cup.