Azzedine Ounahi Injury: Morocco Star Could Miss 15 Panathinaikos Matches

12:45

Azzedine Ounahi could face a lengthy spell away from competitive football after reportedly sustaining a serious muscle injury during Panathinaikos’ emphatic 5-1 victory over Asteras. The Moroccan international was stretchered off on Sunday, raising immediate concerns about his availability for the Greek club and the national team.

According to reports in the Greek press, medical examinations conducted on Monday indicated a grade-three tear involving the biceps femoris muscle in his right thigh. If confirmed, the diagnosis would represent a significant setback for the midfielder, who had made a promising start to the season.

A lengthy recovery could disrupt Panathinaikos’ campaign

A muscle tear of this severity can require approximately 10 to 12 weeks of recovery, although the precise timetable depends on the extent of the damage, the treatment plan and the player's rehabilitation progress. Panathinaikos have yet to confirm an official return date based on the information provided.

The potential consequences for the Athens-based club are substantial. Greek media reports suggest that Ounahi could miss as many as 15 matches between October 22 and December 20, 2026.

That projected absence could cover eight league fixtures, two Greek Cup matches and five UEFA Conference League games. Losing a midfielder who has contributed to the team's early-season performances would limit the coaching staff's options during a demanding stretch of domestic and European competition.

The club will now have to manage its midfield resources carefully while awaiting greater clarity on the Moroccan's condition and recovery prospects.

Morocco could lose a key midfield option

The injury may also affect Morocco's preparations for upcoming international fixtures. Ounahi is at risk of missing the national team's next gathering, potentially ruling him out of the scheduled November matches against Niger in the context of preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

His possible absence would leave the national coaching staff with another selection decision to consider, particularly when assessing the balance and creativity of the midfield.

However, his participation in those fixtures will depend on the confirmed diagnosis, the rehabilitation timeline and his progress over the coming weeks. No definitive international withdrawal can be established solely on the basis of the reported medical findings.

Official medical details remain crucial

For both Panathinaikos and Morocco, the immediate priority is to establish the full extent of the injury and determine an appropriate recovery programme. The reported diagnosis points to a potentially extended absence, but the projected duration should not be treated as a confirmed medical timetable.

Until the club provides further information, uncertainty will surround Ounahi's return to action. His recovery will be closely watched by Panathinaikos supporters and Moroccan fans, with the midfielder's availability potentially influencing both the Greek side's autumn schedule and Morocco's international plans.

The coming weeks should provide a clearer picture of the scale of the setback and whether Ounahi can return before the end of the year.