Mohamed Ouahbi faces a major selection challenge ahead of Morocco's upcoming double-header against Niger, with several important players unavailable for the November international window.
The Atlas Lions coach must deal with a growing injury list just hours before announcing his squad on Wednesday, November 4, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.
The confirmed absences of Ayoub El Kaabi, Azzedine Ounahi and Ismael Saibari, alongside the uncertainty surrounding Soufiane Rahimi, represent a significant setback for Morocco as they prepare for the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
However, the situation could also create opportunities for players who have been waiting to return to international football.
Ayoub El Kaabi: A Long Road Back After Surgery
The absence of Ayoub El Kaabi is already established.
The experienced Moroccan striker suffered a tibia fracture in September during a league encounter against Volos in Greece. He subsequently underwent surgery and is currently focused on his rehabilitation.
His recovery is expected to take approximately six to seven months, meaning his return to competitive football remains several months away.
Although the latest indications surrounding his rehabilitation have reportedly been encouraging,
the 33-year-old will not be available for the Niger double-header.
His absence leaves Morocco without one of their most reliable attacking options, particularly a striker whose movement, finishing and ability to attack crosses have made him an important part of the national team.
Azzedine Ounahi Also Ruled Out for Several Months
Another significant absence concerns Azzedine Ounahi, who suffered a serious injury while playing for Panathinaikos against Asteras on October 18.
Further medical examinations revealed a complete rupture of the right biceps femoris tendon, requiring surgical intervention.
The Moroccan midfielder has since undergone a successful operation and is expected to remain unavailable for a substantial part of the season.
His absence represents a considerable blow to Ouahbi's midfield plans. Ounahi brings technical quality, creativity and the ability to progress the ball through tight spaces, qualities that are not easily replaced.
With the midfielder facing an extended recovery period, Morocco must now identify alternative solutions capable of maintaining their technical influence in the middle of the pitch.
Soufiane Rahimi Remains a Major Doubt
The situation surrounding Soufiane Rahimi is also concerning.
The 30-year-old forward was forced off after approximately 30 minutes during Al Ain's encounter against Shabab Al Ahli on October 22, after suffering a hamstring injury.
An absence of at least three weeks has been reported, putting his availability for the November gathering in serious doubt.
Unlike the cases of El Kaabi and Ounahi, Rahimi's participation has not been definitively ruled out in the supplied report. His recovery in the coming days will therefore be important in determining whether he can join the national team.
His potential absence would further reduce Morocco's attacking options, especially given his versatility and ability to operate across different positions in the forward line.
Ismael Saibari's Injury Adds Another Major Blow
The latest setback concerns Ismael Saibari, whose injury during the clash against Borussia Dortmund has now been confirmed.
The Moroccan midfielder was forced off in the 29th minute on Saturday, October 31, following an incident involving goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Medical examinations revealed a rupture of the syndesmotic ligament in his right ankle.
Saibari underwent successful surgery the following day, with his recovery period estimated at approximately three months.
The news is particularly disappointing given his recent performances and growing influence in attacking areas.
His ability to combine creativity, physical presence and goalscoring contributions makes him an important option for the Atlas Lions. Losing him alongside Ounahi leaves Ouahbi with additional questions to answer in midfield.
En-Nesyri, Belahyane and Harit Could Seize Their Opportunity
While the injury situation is undoubtedly frustrating, it could provide an opening for several players hoping to return to the national team.
Three names stand out: Youssef En-Nesyri, Reda Belahyane and Amine Harit.
Youssef En-Nesyri: An Experienced Solution in Attack
With El Kaabi unavailable and Rahimi uncertain, Youssef En-Nesyri could become an important candidate for a recall.
The Al-Ittihad striker has not featured for Morocco since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but his recent performances in Saudi Arabia could strengthen his case.
His goalscoring form offers an argument for bringing him back into the squad, particularly as Ouahbi looks for an experienced centre-forward capable of leading the attacking line.
En-Nesyri's aerial ability, movement inside the penalty area and international experience could provide a valuable alternative during a difficult period for Morocco's forwards.
Reda Belahyane: A Midfield Opportunity
Reda Belahyane is another player who could benefit from the situation.
The Lazio midfielder has been enjoying more regular opportunities in Serie A, showing encouraging signs after a difficult period in which securing playing time proved challenging.
His ability to recover possession, distribute the ball under pressure and dictate the rhythm from deeper positions could offer Ouahbi a different midfield profile.
With Ounahi and Saibari unavailable, a return to the national team would give Belahyane an opportunity to demonstrate that he can become a reliable option for Morocco.
Amine Harit: A Chance to Reignite His International Career
Another potential comeback concerns Amine Harit, who appears to be rediscovering his confidence and attacking influence at Olympique de Marseille.
The Moroccan attacking midfielder has gradually regained playing time and recently found the net twice within an eight-day period, according to the supplied report.
Harit has not represented Morocco since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations under Walid Regragui. A return under Ouahbi would therefore mark an important new chapter in his international career.
His creativity, close control and ability to operate between the lines could offer Morocco another attacking dimension, particularly with Saibari unavailable.
Ouahbi Faces an Important Selection Test
Wednesday's squad announcement could reveal how Mohamed Ouahbi intends to respond to this growing injury crisis.
The coach must find solutions without compromising the team's balance, while also considering players who have demonstrated their quality at club level.
The upcoming fixtures against Niger will take place on November 13 at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca and November 17 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
With both matches counting towards AFCON 2027 qualification, Morocco will be targeting maximum points despite the absence of several important internationals.
The situation also creates an opportunity for new combinations to emerge and for previously overlooked players to make their case ahead of the continental tournament.
A Difficult Moment, but an Opportunity for New Heroes
Losing several established players at the same time is never ideal, particularly with important international fixtures approaching.
Yet international football often creates opportunities for players who are ready to step forward when their teammates are unavailable.
For En-Nesyri, Belahyane and Harit, the November gathering could represent an important chance to rebuild their positions within the national team.
Ouahbi's challenge is clear: overcome the injury setbacks, find the right balance and ensure that the Atlas Lions remain on course for AFCON 2027.