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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ryan McGinlay

Scotland's World Cup foes suffer injury crises as duo ruled out of tournament

(Image: Shutterstock)

Morocco have suffered a double injury blow ahead of the World Cup, with Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli both ruled out of the tournament.

Scotland’s Group C opponents have called up defender Marwane Saadane and winger Amine Sbai as late replacements.

Former West Ham centre-back Aguerd, 30, has not featured since early March due to a groin problem that required surgery. His recovery was further complicated in April when a pubic bone fracture was discovered, ultimately ending hopes of a return in time for the finals.

Head coach Mohamed Ouahabi had remained hopeful Aguerd would recover, but confirmed on Thursday he will not be fit for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Real Betis attacker Ezzalzouli, 24, picked up his injury during a friendly against Norway in New Jersey last weekend. The winger was hurt when teammate Chadi Riad landed awkwardly on his right knee while defending a corner. He attempted to play on but was later forced off.


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Both players were part of the Morocco squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier this year.

Veteran defender Saadane, 34, returns having earned sporadic caps since his 2015 debut, while 25-year-old Sbai – who operates mainly on the left flank – only made his international debut earlier this month against Burundi.

The pair were already training with the squad in the United States. Saadane came off the bench in the 1-1 draw with Norway, while Sbai was named among the substitutes.

Morocco begin their Group C campaign against Brazil at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Saturday, before facing Scotland in Boston on Friday, June 19 (11pm UK time). They conclude the group stage against Haiti on June 24.

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