In a recent development concerning Moroccan international Ez Abde, a French specialist has reviewed the MRI conducted in New Jersey and unfortunately delivered an unfavorable prognosis. As a result, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and the national team's coach have opted to replace him, mirroring the earlier decision made regarding Nayef Aguerd. This unfortunate turn of events has forced the Beni Melal native to quickly pack his bags and departure.
The Real Betis club was not overly optimistic about Morocco's efforts to recuperate Ez Abde, who suffered an accidental injury during a collision with his teammate Chadi Riad in a friendly match leading up to the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Following the MRI, which confirmed an initial diagnosis of a moderate-grade sprain to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee, the coach of the 'Atlas Lions' decided to keep the winger in training while awaiting a clearer timeline for recovery, estimated to range from two to five weeks.
Consulting with French specialist Christophe Baudot, the FRMF received a preliminary report that, pending the results of a comprehensive examination, indicated the prognosis to be unfavorable. The worst-case scenario suggests that Abde may not be available until the potential knockout stages, if at all. Furthermore, there is a clear risk of aggravation, leading to a decision that initially considered the possibility of intensive physiotherapy to allow him to participate in the group stage match against Scotland, but ultimately concluded with a more drastic course of action.
With Morocco set to debut at midnight Spanish time on Sunday, June 14, against Brazil, there was a deadline until midnight on Friday to replace Ez Abde. However, Mohamed Ouahbi did not wait until the last minute. Both Abde and Nayef Aguerd, who was evaluated during Wednesday's training session, have been withdrawn from the final squad for the World Cup, with the FIFA being notified of their exclusion. They will be replaced by French attacker Amine Sbai from Angers and Saudi center-back Marwane Saadane from Al-Fateh, both of whom were part of the training group in New Jersey but were not originally included in the initial 26-man roster.
This decision brings a sense of relief to Real Betis, especially given their apprehensions regarding Abde's situation following the previous incident involving Sofyan Amrabat during the Africa Cup of Nations. The Moroccan national team has made a definitive decision regarding Abde now that his injury has been confirmed, ensuring he will not be pressured into playing in the World Cup, unlike Amrabat, whose explosive playing style posed a significant risk of re-injury or further complications in such a delicate area as the knee.
Despite the disappointment stemming from this injury, which occurred from an isolated and unfortunate incident, Ez Abde is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the pre-season with Real Betis. He will, however, likely join his teammates a few days later than the rest, who are set to report on July 6 to undergo the necessary medical checks and begin training at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol before heading to their first training camp in the Netherlands.
As reported by estadiodeportivo.com.
