Rabat – Panathinaikos head coach Jacob Neestrup has described Moroccan international Azzedine Ounahi’s injury as a major setback for the Greek club, stressing that the midfielder is among the team’s most important players.
Speaking during a press conference ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Conference League match against Kairat Almaty, the Danish coach confirmed that Ounahi would face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
“Jagusic and Ounahi are unavailable. Fortunately, the former will not be out for long, unlike the Moroccan, whose absence is a huge blow because he is one of the best players in the team,” Neestrup said.
The coach also expressed sympathy for Ounahi, promising that the club would provide the necessary support during his recovery.
“We feel sorry for him. He didn’t deserve this. He has to fight his way back, and we will do everything we can to help him,” he added.
Neestrup acknowledged the difficulties of losing such an important player but insisted that the team must find solutions in his absence.
Ounahi faces up to three months on sidelines
The Moroccan international suffered the injury during Panathinaikos’ 5-1 victory over Asteras Tripolis in the Greek league on Sunday.
Ounahi was forced to leave the pitch on a stretcher after experiencing severe pain in his right thigh.
According to Moroccan sports outlet Radio Mars, medical examinations revealed a third-degree tear in the biceps femoris muscle of his right leg.
The injury could keep the midfielder out of action for approximately two and a half to three months, although Panathinaikos have not officially confirmed a recovery timeline.
The setback interrupts a promising start to the season for Ounahi, who returned to Greece in September and had scored three goals in eight appearances.
Injury raises concerns for Morocco
Ounahi’s expected absence also represents a setback for Morocco’s national team ahead of its upcoming international fixtures.
The Atlas Lions are scheduled to face Niger twice, on November 13 and 17, in the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
With his recovery expected to extend into early 2027, the midfielder is likely to miss both encounters.
Meanwhile, Panathinaikos demonstrated their ability to compete without Ounahi on Thursday, securing a convincing 5-1 away win over Kairat Almaty in the Conference League.
The Greek club will now continue its European campaign without the Moroccan international, whose return will depend on his recovery progress.
