Brahim Diaz is expected to be left out of Morocco's squad for the current international break, with all the signs pointing to the Real Madrid midfielder sitting out the matches against Gabon and Lesotho. The reported decision would give him time to rest and recover from physical problems.
The update matters because Morocco still have two immediate international assignments in front of them, with the Gabon and Lesotho fixtures now likely to come without one of their most recognisable attacking options. AS reported on Monday that Diaz had played his last matches while suffering from severe pain, and by Tuesday evening the picture had become even clearer.
All signs point to Diaz being the one left out
According to AS, there is now a growing expectation that Diaz will be the man dropped. The report did not say the omission has been formally confirmed, but it did make clear that the direction of travel is towards rest rather than risk.
That is a sensible call in the circumstances. When a player is carrying physical issues, the priority is often to protect him before the situation becomes worse. For Morocco, the short-term gain of forcing him into action would be outweighed by the longer-term need to have him available in better condition.
Morocco have another option in Ilias Akhomach
The Moroccan Football Federation has already called up Ilias Akhomach, though it has not revealed which player would make way. That silence has only added to the expectation that Diaz is the most likely omission.
For Morocco, the decision is less about a dramatic tactical reshuffle and more about squad management. If Diaz is not fully fit, leaving him out now is the cleanest way to make sure he can recover properly before the next stage of international duty.
Morocco's matches against Gabon and Lesotho remain the immediate focus, with the anticipated friendly against Ghana also part of the wider picture during the current international break. For Diaz, the hope will be that missing these games now means returning later with the physical problems behind him.
