AFCON: Tuchel Says Mazraoui Has Not Fully Recovered From Injury

Rabat – Bayern Munich’s coach Thomas Tuchel has recently discussed the injury of Moroccan international footballer Noussair Mazraoui, suggesting that he is not completely ready to take part in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

“Noussair Mazraoui is currently recovering and has been called up to the Moroccan squad. We hope that he will gradually return to his best level, and we would recommend that he play only until the third group stage match,” said Tuchel in a recent press conference.

The coach, however, expressed respect for the decision made by coaches in fielding their best players.

Mazraoui had sustained the injury at the level of his left thigh, during a Manchester United’s Champions League match last December.

The German club suggested that it is aware of the importance of Mazraoui representing his country, but they are concerned that his injury will worsen, especially in light of his experience at the 2022 World Cup, when he played through COVID-related complications and had to withdraw several months later due to a heart issue.

Bayern Munich’s right-back joined the Atlas Lions’ training camp in San Pedro on January 10, to participate in the 34th edition of this continental showpiece.

In preparation for the big event, Morocco played a friendly match against Sierra Leone on Thursday at the Auguste-Denise stadium, the Atlas Lions’ training pitch in San Pedro.

The Atlas Lions finished victorious with a 3-1 score, contributed by a double by Youssef En-Nesyri and a goal by Sofiane Boufal.

The 2023 AFCON will run between January 13 and February 11 with the participation of 24 teams. The Moroccan squad is drawn in Group F alongside Tanzania, Zambia, and DR Congo.

The Atlas Lions will play their first match on January 17 against Tanzania at 6:00 p.m. Moroccan Time.