Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz has been ruled out of Morocco’s upcoming friendlies against Tunisia and Benin with a muscle injury.
Morocco team doctor Christophe Baudot confirmed the news on Tuesday, saying Diaz is continuing treatment at the Mohammed VI Football Complex. “He won’t be ready in time for the Tunisia match,” said Baudot. “We’ll assess his progress ahead of the second game.”
Diaz started Madrid’s final league match against Real Sociedad but was forced off in the 55th minute. His absence is a blow for Walid Regragui, who is already dealing with several injuries in the squad.
Nayef Aguerd, Noussair Mazraoui, Ghanem Saïss and Chemsdine Talbi are all unavailable, while Abdessamad Ezzalzouli remains a doubt.
In response, Regragui has handed a first senior call-up to FAR Rabat midfielder Amine Zahzouh, one of the standout players in Morocco’s top flight this season. Zahzouh scored 11 goals and provided 13 assists in 43 appearances, finishing the campaign as the Botola Pro’s top playmaker.
The 23-year-old was already training with Morocco’s local-based national team at Maâmora and joined the senior squad for Tuesday’s session.
Morocco are preparing for two friendlies in Fez against Tunisia on June 6, and Benin on June 9. The matches are part of the build-up to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.
Despite the growing injury list, the camp remains in high spirits. Tuesday’s session included a guard of honour for players who won silverware with their clubs this season.
