Morocco has been dealt a double blow before its World Cup campaign even begins. Two injuries have forced the team to make two changes to its World Cup squad. Forward Abde Ezzalzouli and defender Nayef Aguerd have dropped out of the squad before the tournament starts.
Real Betis forward Ezzalzouli suffered a knee injury in a friendly against Norway last week. According to FIFA’s updated list, Anders Sabai has been called into the Morocco squad in his place.
Marseille center-back Aguerd, meanwhile, has not played since March after thigh surgery. Morocco did not want to take any risk with him, and Marwane Saadane was called up in his place before the tournament.
Morocco’s team management declined to comment on the matter. But captain Achraf Hakimi posted a message of sympathy on social media for his two injured teammates. The PSG star Hakimi wrote: “Football can be cruel at times. Thank you for everything you have given the team from day one. We will all fight for you. We love you.”
Morocco face five-time world champions Brazil in their first Group C match in New Jersey on Saturday (June 13) night.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report