Fear and anticipation prevail among the Moroccan and Arab masses over the possibility of the absence of a prominent trio from the Moroccan squad against Portugal, in the quarter-final match of the World Cup held in Qatar, and it is the trio that had a prominent role in achieving the “Atlas Lions” for an unprecedented Arab achievement by reaching the quarter-final World Cup.
The matter is related to: Brigadier General Roman Sayes, who was injured in the thigh, and the heart of the defense, Nayef Akrad, who suffered the same injury, along with right-back Naseer Al-Mazrawi, who was unable to complete the original time for the Spain match in the final price, which ended with the superiority of the Atlas Lions. penalty shootout.
And Moroccan media sources stated that the medical staff of the Moroccan national team - led by Dr. Abdel Razzak Hefti - is racing against time in order to prepare the trio to be present in the historic match against Portugal, where the trio underwent additional treatment sessions.
Nayef Akrad was one of the most prominent stars in the Spain match before he left with an injury (Getty Images)
According to the Moroccan newspaper, Al-Mukhtab, quoting sources close to the "Atlas Lions";
Coach Walid Al-Rakraki received positive signs about West Ham's English defender Nayef Akrad, who was forced to leave the last Spain match, due to his feeling of pain in the upper thigh.
The same newspaper said that Akrad will be present at the Portugal summit, after preliminary examinations revealed that his injury was not serious enough to prevent him from participating.
Nayef Akrad, defender # Morocco, enthusiastically tackles the ball and keeps it away from # Morata striker # Spain # Qatar 2022 # World Cup_Qatar_2022 @SEFutbol @EnMaroc# Qatar2022 # FIFA WorldCup # VamosEspana # Atlas Lions pic.twitter.com/JB596TsDaG
- Al-Kass channels (@alkasschannel) December 6, 2022
Akrd came out crying from the last meeting, and he also showed signs of discomfort and pain from the injury, even during the qualifying celebrations.
On the other hand, doubts - according to the "Al-Mukhtab" newspaper - are still circulating about the possibility of Turkish Besiktas defender Roman Sayes participating in this meeting, pending a decision on the matter within the next few hours.
And Saiss suffered a muscle spasm in the second extra period of the Spain match, and he completed the match while putting a bandage at the level of the thigh.
Nosair Mazraoui injured in the Croatia match during the group stage (Reuters)
It is also expected that the medical staff will decide on the readiness of the duo: Noureddine Amrabat and Naseer Al-Mazrawi, who have suffered from injury since the end of the first round.
It is noteworthy that Walid Al-Rakraki had given the players a rest day - yesterday, Wednesday - and he had programmed only two preparatory sessions before the Portugal match. The first will be closed on the grounds of Al-Duhail Stadium in the Qatari capital, Doha - today, Thursday - while the second will be open to the media, tomorrow. Friday.
The Moroccan national team’s match against its Portuguese counterpart will be held on the grounds of “Al-Thumama” stadium, next Saturday, at six in the evening, Mecca Al-Mukarramah time.