Aguerd and Ezzalzouli ruled out as Morocco reshuffles World Cup squad

Morocco have been forced into two late World Cup squad changes after Nayef Aguerd and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli were ruled out through injury days before the Atlas Lions open their campaign against Brazil.

The two players have been removed from Morocco’s tournament list, with defender Marwane Saadane and winger Amine Sbai approved as replacements.

Both had already been training with the squad in the United States and featured in Morocco’s 1-1 friendly draw against Norway.

The absences leave coach Mohamed Ouahbi with a disrupted squad before Saturday’s Group C opener at New York/New Jersey Stadium. Aguerd and Ezzalzouli were expected to play important roles, with the former offering experience in central defense and the latter giving Morocco pace and one-on-one quality on the left wing.

Aguerd’s absence ends a race against time that had continued until the final days before the tournament. The Marseille defender had not played since March because of a groin injury aggravated by a pubic bone problem. He underwent surgery after the end of the club season and continued rehabilitation in Morocco, but failed to recover fully in time.

Ezzalzouli’s withdrawal followed a knee injury sustained in Morocco’s final warm-up match against Norway. Initial hopes that the Betis winger could return later in the tournament faded after further assessments, with Spanish reports saying the injury could require several weeks of recovery.

Saadane, 34, brings defensive cover and experience, though he has rarely featured for Morocco in recent years. Sbai, 25, offers a direct attacking option and recently earned his first senior cap.

Morocco face Brazil in their first group match before meeting Scotland and Haiti, with the late changes forcing Ouahbi to adjust both his defensive depth and attacking rotation.