Europe 1 with AFP 7:27 p.m., December 8, 2022
On his heels against Spain during his unprecedented victory, the Moroccan central hinge now seems to be feeling the blow and is on the kneecaps.
And several uncertainties hang over certain players, before the quarter-final of the 2022 Football World Cup against Portugal, Saturday at 4 p.m.
Before approaching its quarter-final of the 2022 Football World Cup against Portugal, Saturday at 4 p.m., Morocco must face several uncertainties concerning its players.
The latter would present extreme fatigue or even potential injuries which would then complicate the task of coach Walid Regragui.
"We still have uncertainties, but we will make the decision on the day of the match," warned Walid Regragui.
"We have a medical staff who do everything to ensure that the players are ready".
"Until now we have never lost a player before a match", noted the Moroccan coach after the quarter-final won against Morocco (0-0, 3 pens to 0), where Nayef Aguerd was replaced and where the other member of the hinge, Romain Saïss, ended up limping.
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Aguerd on a wire, Saïss on one foot
Out hit in the hamstrings, Nayef Aguerd could not finish the round of 16.
The West Ham player, operated this summer of an ankle, had already forced to return in time for the World Cup.
His season only started at the end of October.
After the match against 'Roja', Regragui spoke of a minor injury.
And "if someone can't play, his replacement will give as much as him, if not more and better," assured the coach.
Romain Saïss felt pain behind his thigh during extra time.
"If I finished the match, it should be fine," he told L'Equipe, bandaged on his thigh.
"You have to know how to sacrifice for the country. We grit our teeth, we're going to grit our teeth again, we'll still be there in the quarter-finals," the Besiktas defender told Fifa.
"He is our captain, he is very important in the life of the group, he has understood his role as leader", assures Regragui.
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El Yamiq natural replacement for Aguerd, Dari the beginner
In the relay of Aguerd injured against Spain, Jawad El Yamiq is his natural replacement in the event of withdrawal from the former Rennes.
He ensured in the big half hour spent on the field, the end of the match and the extension.
Regragui "told us to leave the ball to them, it was the best way to tire them," the Valladolid defender told beIN Sports.
It could be the same mission against Portugal.
The fourth central of the workforce, Achraf Dari (23), has only four selections.
He played the two preparation matches in September against Chile (2-0) and Paraguay (0-0) because Aguerd was injured.
With him the "Atlas Lions" did not concede a goal.
The Brest player did not play a minute at the World Cup.