NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI has suffered an injury scare just DAYS before Morocco’s World Cup opener.
The Atlas Lions are due to face on June 13 but Mazraoui could be in a race against time to be fit for kick-off after coming off in their final warm-up fixture.
Noussair Mazraoui came off in the 29th minute after chatting with medics Credit: Getty
Abde Ezzalzouli is a second injury concern to emerge from Morocco’s final warm-up game Credit: Getty
The utility man, 28, started Sunday’s friendly against and would be expected to play a prominent role for at the World Cup.
But he was brought off in the 29th minute after feeling some discomfort and chatting with medics.
It is not clear whether Mazraoui felt something serious or if he was withdrawn as a precaution.
The former and star, who can play at full-back or in midfield, has scored twice in 43 appearances for his national team.
He helped them reach the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 and then win Afcon last year.
Mazraoui was taken to by in 2024 and made 57 appearances in his debut season.
But he fell out of favour under and then last campaign, playing just 20 times across all competitions.
Morocco also suffered a second injury scare during the Norway game, with Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli forced off at half time after colliding with team-mate Chadi Riad.
New World Cup 2026 rules
FIFA confirmed several new rules coming into play for the World Cup 2026.
They are:
- Outfield players cannot go to technical areas while goalkeeper getting treatment
- Five-second countdowns for goal-kicks and throw-ins
- Ten-second substitutions – or else one-minute sub entry delay
- One minute off field after outfield players get treatment
- Three-minute hydration breaks in each half
- VAR can intervene over fouls before ball in play for goals, penalties and disciplinary sanctions
- VAR can correct wrongly-awarded yellow cards and corners
- Red cards for covering mouth in confrontational talk
- Red cards for walking off pitch in protest
The friendly in New Jersey finished 1-1 with Brahim Diaz opening the scoring and Arsenal’s equalising for Norway in the 75th minute.
Next up for Morocco is Brazil before subsequent Group C games against and .
Morocco boss Mohamed Ouahbi would be allowed to call up a single injury replacement if Mazraoui or Ezzalzouli are ruled out of the tournament.
But they must have featured in his 55-man provisional squad and be called up before the cut-off point, which is 24 hours before their opening game.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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