Morocco pair Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli have been ruled out of the World Cup due to injury and replaced in the Atlas Lions’ 26-man squad.
The 2022 semi-finalists, who were awarded the Africa Cup of Nations title in March after the result of their controversial final with Senegal was reversed, will face Brazil in their World Cup opener on Saturday.
But they will do so without Marseille defender Aguerd and Real Betis winger Ezzalzouli.
In news confirmed on the FIFA portal, they have been replaced in the squad by Marwane Saadane and Amine Sbai.
Aguerd has not played since March owing to ongoing injury issues and, having failed to prove his fitness, gives way to 34-year-old centre-back Saadane, who plays his club football for Al Fateh in Saudi Arabia.
Ezzalzouli, meanwhile, suffered an injury in Morocco’s pre-tournament friendly with Norway as he collided with team-mate Chadi Riad.
Unable to shake off a right leg injury, Ezzalzouli will miss a tournament in which many expected him to star amid reported interest from Premier League clubs.
Ezzalzouli scored 15 goals and provided 10 assists last season as Betis qualified for the Champions League. Newcastle United, Chelsea and Aston Villa have all been linked with a move for his services.
He will now have to play the role of spectator, with Angers winger Sbai taking his place.
Having been drawn in Group C, Morocco face Brazil in New Jersey on Saturday before then taking on Scotland and Haiti.
Morocco’s fairytale run to the last four in 2022 marked just the second time they have reached the knockout rounds, having only previously done so at the 1986 finals.
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