Rabat- Just when Morocco’s World Cup preparations seemed to be entering their final stretch, an unwelcome concern has emerged for the Atlas Lions.
According to Sunderland coach Regis le Bris, Chemsdine Talbi has suffered a muscle injury during a training session. This creates uncertainty around his availability only days before Morocco announces its final squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The timing is difficult to ignore. Mohamed Ouahbi will reveal his final list of 26 players on May 26. And Talbi now suddenly finds himself in a race against the clock.
Regis Le Bris stated that the 21-year-old winger will miss the club’s final Premier League match against Chelsea on Sunday. That absence is already confirmed. What remains unclear is everything beyond it.
For now, there is still no indication regarding how long Talbi could be sidelined. Further medical tests are expected, and those results may ultimately determine whether he can realistically be available when Morocco begins its World Cup campaign.
That uncertainty appears to be one reason Morocco’s coaching staff had already taken precautions.
Rather than limit the preparation camp to a strict final group, Ouahbi and his staff expanded the preliminary selection to 28 players ahead of the training camp beginning this weekend. That gives the staff room to react if injuries become a bigger issue.
And Talbi is not the only player raising fitness concerns. Reports have also pointed to question marks around Osame Sahraoui and other players being monitored before final decisions are made.
For Talbi specifically, the timing is especially frustrating. The Sunderland winger had been building momentum and was increasingly seen as one of the younger attacking options capable of earning a place in Morocco’s plans.
Now everything may come down to the next few days.
The squad announcement is approaching quickly. Medical evaluations are still to come.
