Atlas Lions: Injury Concerns Mount Ahead of Upcoming Challenges

Sunday 06 September 2026 - 08:14

The start of the season is already turning into a medical headache for several Moroccan internationals. As European and Arab leagues gradually resume their pace, several players from the Atlas Lions have suffered sometimes serious injuries. A succession of stoppages that could complicate the national team's plans in the coming months.

Mohamed Rabie Hrimat Struck by Knee Injury

The most concerning injury involves Mohamed Rabie Hrimat. The Moroccan midfielder from Al-Shamal suffered a torn ACL during the match against Al-Gharafa, played in the second round of the Doha Bank Stars League.

The Qatari club confirmed the seriousness of the injury after medical examinations. The former captain of AS FAR will need to follow a long treatment and rehabilitation program before considering a return to competition.

At 32 years old, Hrimat had just changed his environment after his summer transfer to Al-Shamal. Last season, he led AS FAR to the final of the CAF Champions League.

Chadi Riad Facing Another Long Absence?

In England, Chadi Riad has also faced a new setback. The Crystal Palace defender had to be stretchered off during the match against Everton on August 23, after getting injured in the second half.

This latest alert comes just as the player was gradually returning to competition after a previous ACL tear. This first injury had notably kept him out of the Morocco 2026 AFCON.

His return allowed the defender to regain rhythm with his club and rejoin the Moroccan squad during the last World Cup. However, the exact nature of his new injury and the duration of his unavailability remain crucial for the rest of his season.

Youssef Belammari Already Out of Action

At Al Ahly, Youssef Belammari is also facing an ACL tear. The Egyptian club announced the injury of their left-back on August 13, following a friendly match against the Spanish team Badalona.

The 27-year-old player, who joined Al Ahly in January 2026 from Raja Casablanca, had already played 12 matches for the Egyptian giant.

The club has not specified the duration of his absence. However, given the nature of the injury, his return will likely require a significant period of treatment and rehabilitation.

El Kaabi Hospitalized

The case of Ayoub El Kaabi has further darkened the start of the season. The Moroccan striker from Olympiakos was violently injured on Saturday during the match against Volos.

The incident occurred in the 44th minute, as El Kaabi contested a ball with the opposing goalkeeper. The striker had to leave the field before being transported to the hospital by ambulance.

Initial reports suggest a possible double fracture. However, these details still need to be confirmed by medical examinations, which will also determine the duration of his potential unavailability.

Growing Concern for the National Team

The increase in these injuries comes at a particularly sensitive time for Moroccan internationals. Four key players are now dealing with varying degrees of physical issues, including several ligament tears and, in El Kaabi's case, a possible fracture.

For the Atlas Lions staff, the challenge will now be to closely monitor the progress of each medical case. Beyond the duration of absences, the question of these players' return to full fitness will be essential.

Morocco has a significant pool of talent, but the succession of injuries among internationals playing in various leagues highlights the fragility of a squad subjected to a particularly dense schedule.

As the season has just begun, the Atlas Lions now hope that this unfortunate streak will end before the upcoming international fixtures increase the pressure on a group already facing several physical uncertainties.