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Rabat – Morocco continued its preparations for Thursday’s FIFA World Cup quarter-final against France, but Ismael Saibari was once again missing from training, casting further doubt over his involvement in the Atlas Lions’ highly anticipated quarterfinal clash with France.
The national team held a training session on Tuesday at the New England Revolution Training Center in Boston despite rainy conditions. The session focused on final tactical preparations ahead of the France match.
Saibari’s Race Against Time
Saibari has missed Morocco’s recent training sessions as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury sustained during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 25-year-old has been one of Morocco’s standout performers throughout the tournament, bringing creativity, energy, and attacking quality to the Atlas Lions’ squad. His absence would be a significant blow against a French side.
Earlier this week, Moroccan media reported that the coaching staff remained hopeful the midfielder could recover in time for the quarter-final, but his continued absence from full training suggests the medical team is taking no risks.
His fitness is expected to be assessed again before the team’s final training session ahead of the match.
Eyes on Thursday
All the focus now is on Saibari, whose recovery could shape Mohamed Ouahbi’s plans for the quarter-final.
If the midfielder is unable to recover in time, Morocco will need another player to fill in for a critically significant member of the squad. Morocco will face France tomorrow evening in Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States, at 21:00 Moroccan time.
Saibari Suffers Minor Injury, No Serious Concern for Quarter-finals
