Anderlecht have provided an update on the condition of Tawfik Bentayeb after the Moroccan international suffered a heavy blow to the head during the Belgian league match against Zulte.
The forward had an eventful evening, scoring his team's opening goal before being forced to leave the pitch following the collision. He was subsequently taken to hospital, where he underwent further medical examinations.
The results offered encouraging news.
Reassuring Results After the Blow
Anderlecht confirmed that the medical examinations carried out at the hospital were reassuring, providing relief after the severity of the incident raised concerns.
The player was closely assessed following the impact, with additional tests performed to ensure there were no serious complications.
The Belgian club also confirmed that the injury does not prevent him from joining the Morocco national team.
He has therefore been cleared to travel to Morocco and link up with the Atlas Lions squad.
A Precautionary Period of Individual Training
Although the medical results were positive, the forward will not immediately return to full team training.
According to Anderlecht, he will follow an individual training programme lasting between seven and ten days, in accordance with FIFA's medical protocol for concussion-related incidents.
That timetable means he will not be ready to feature in Morocco's opening match against Gabon on Friday in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, according to the club's statement.
The priority will now be a gradual and controlled return before he resumes normal competitive activity.
A First Senior Morocco Call-Up
The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate for the attacker, who has received his first call-up to Morocco's senior national team.
His selection came after an outstanding campaign with Troyes in France last season.
He finished as the top scorer in Ligue 2, playing an important role in the club's promotion, before carrying that momentum into his new adventure with Anderlecht.
His start in Belgium has also been encouraging, culminating in his goal against Zulte before the injury forced him off.
A New Chapter With the Atlas Lions
Despite the setback, the latest medical update allows the Moroccan to join his national teammates and experience his first senior international camp.
For the coaching staff, his presence will provide an opportunity to integrate him into the group while allowing the medical team to monitor his recovery closely.
The immediate objective, however, is clear: his health comes first, and his return to football will be managed step by step.
Morocco Will Wait for His Return
Bentayeb's first senior international opportunity may have been delayed, but his arrival in the national-team setup remains an important milestone.
After his goalscoring breakthrough in France and promising start in Belgium, the striker now begins another chapter with the Atlas Lions, this time while patiently working his way back to full fitness.
The first match may come too soon, but the Moroccan international can now focus on completing his recovery and preparing for the opportunities ahead.