Ziyech’s Availability in Doubt for Morocco’s AFCON Warm-Up Matches

In order to best prepare for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations football tournament (CAN) which will take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024 in Côte d’Ivoire, in five cities (Abidjan, Bouaké, Korhogo, San-Pédro and Yamoussoukro), Morocco will face the host country, on Saturday, October 14, in a friendly match in Abidjan (5pm local time, 6pm Moroccan time), then Liberia, on Tuesday, October 17 at the Grand Stade d’Agadir. But one player could be missing from the call-up. It is Hakim Ziyech, who now plays as a right winger or attacking midfielder for Galatasaray SK.

After a good start with his new club - a goal and an assist in three appearances - the Moroccan international has been going through a difficult period in recent days due to a muscle injury. Ziyech is still suffering "from a slight foot pain. We don’t want to take any risks. These players are not used to the rhythm of consecutive matches. They haven’t played for a long time. After playing 3 matches, he had pain," explained Okan Buruk, Galatasaray’s coach. The 30-year-old player is therefore still unavailable.

If Ziyech recovers well from his injury, he will be able to join his Moroccan teammates. Otherwise, Morocco will play its two friendly matches without its star.