Morocco have suffered another setback ahead of their double-header against Niger, with Neil El Aynaoui ruled out of both upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifying fixtures. However, the latest update from his club, RB Leipzig, offers some reassurance regarding the midfielder's condition.
The 24-year-old had initially joined the Atlas Lions' training camp earlier this week, but was subsequently withdrawn after experiencing discomfort around his ankle. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation confirmed his withdrawal following medical examinations and a precautionary decision by the national team's medical staff.
While his absence represents another blow for Mohamed Ouahbi, Leipzig have indicated that the issue is not considered serious.
RB Leipzig Play Down Injury Concerns
In a reassuring update, RB Leipzig described El Aynaoui's condition as involving “minor issues in the lower part of the leg”, explaining why the midfielder had to leave the Moroccan national-team camp.
German journalist Philipp Hinze of Sky Sport DE also reported that the Bundesliga club did not consider the problem a serious injury, suggesting that his withdrawal was primarily a precautionary measure.
The update will come as positive news for Moroccan supporters, particularly given the number of players currently dealing with fitness problems.
Although El Aynaoui will miss the two matches against Niger, the latest information offers hope that his absence may not become a prolonged one. His recovery and availability for Leipzig will depend on how the issue develops.
Samir El Mourabet Called Up as Replacement
Following El Aynaoui's withdrawal, Samir El Mourabet of RC Strasbourg has been called up to replace him in the Moroccan squad.
The midfielder now has an opportunity to strengthen his international experience and potentially make an impression within Ouahbi's plans.
His inclusion comes at a time when Morocco are dealing with several absences, making squad depth particularly important ahead of two consecutive international fixtures.
El Aynaoui joins a growing list of unavailable Moroccan internationals, including Azzedine Ounahi, Ismaël Saibari, Ayoub El Kaabi and Soufiane Rahimi.
For Ouahbi, managing these absences while maintaining the team's competitive balance will be an important challenge.
Morocco Prepare for Two Encounters Against Niger
Despite the injury concerns, Morocco remain focused on collecting maximum points from their two meetings with Niger in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Atlas Lions currently lead their qualifying group and will be looking to strengthen their position with two positive results.
The first encounter takes place on Friday, November 13, at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, marking the national team's return to the historic venue.
The two sides will meet again on Tuesday, November 17, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where Morocco will look to complete the double-header successfully.
Both matches represent important opportunities for Ouahbi to test his squad, maintain momentum and move closer to securing qualification for AFCON 2027.
A Setback, but Encouraging News for the Future
Losing El Aynaoui is undoubtedly disappointing, especially as the midfielder continues to establish himself within Morocco's national-team setup.
However, Leipzig's reassuring assessment provides a more positive outlook than initially feared. The priority now will be to ensure that he recovers properly before returning to club action.
For the Atlas Lions, attention turns to the players available and the opportunity for El Mourabet to step forward.
Morocco will have to navigate the Niger double-header without another important midfielder, but the latest update on El Aynaoui offers hope that this setback will be short-lived.