With Morocco potentially 90 minutes away from their first ever World Cup final, all eyes will be on head coach Walid Regragui as he prepares to name his starting XI to battle France.
The Atlas Lions’ run to the semi-finals is one that has seen key men fall to injuries, putting their bodies on the line for their country’s progression.
Captain Romain Saiss, once of Wolves, has been one of the standout defenders this tournament, but he has struggled with a thigh problem recently.
Here’s the latest on his injury.
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During extra-time of Morocco’s last 16 clash with Spain, Saiss pulled up with a thigh injury. He was able to soldier on to the end of extra time before the Atlas Lions won 3-0 on penalties.
To the surprise of many, Saiss was deemed fit to start in their quarter-final against Portugal, but he pulled up again shortly after half-time and had to be withdrawn 57 minutes into the eventual victory.
Nayef Aguerd, who has been suffering with a similar injury, has at least partaken in recent training sessions, while Saiss’ participation has been slightly more limited.
Regragui refused to rule either Aguerd or Saiss out of the semi-final at his pre-match press conference.
This is a genuinely once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Morocco, and anyone who is an injury doubt will be determined to at least play some part in the semi-final.
It may be a little reckless, but there’s every chance that Saiss will be named in the starting lineup – he wasn’t really fit to play in the quarter-final and still managed to anyway.
Saiss started alongside Jawad El Yamiq in their quarter-final victory against Portugal, and he would be the first in line to replace the skipper if he’s deemed unfit.
Achraf Dari came off the bench to come in for Saiss in said quarter-final, and he played well during his 40 or so minutes on the pitch.
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