Rabat – The notable absence of Morocco’s Mehdi Benatia from Renard’s list for the Morocco-Malawi CAN qualifier is still making headlines.
Moroccan newspaper Assabah reported today that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) obtained a medical file from Benatia’s club, Juventus, explaining the national team captain’s physical condition.
The footballer, according to the newspaper, suffers from abdominal pain.
The newspaper added that Benatia’s condition requires him to rest for about four months.
The explanation could answer the thousands of Moroccan football fans and national media who have asked whether Benatia’s absence was due to a conflict with Morocco’s head coach Herve Renard.
Benatia already responded to rumors of why Renard did not select him for the game.
Benatia tweeted, “Oh we’re used [to it] it’s not the first time I would say @Herve_Renard_HR is not just a coach for me it’s (sic) a friend the gossip will never stop ?!”
In another tweet, Benatia wrote, “One more lie. This is to (sic) much!”
Morocco will play against Malawi as part of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on September 8 in Casablanca.
FRMF announced yesterday that tickets for the game will be available starting September 3.
The prices range from MAD 30 to MAD 600.
