Morocco to miss top scorer Saibari in France quarter-final

Morocco's World Cup campaign has suffered a blow with the news that their leading scorer, Ismael Saibari, will miss the crucial quarter-final clash against France.

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed Saibari's absence at a press conference, stating that while the rest of the squad is fully fit, the match has come "too soon" for the midfielder. Ouahbi expressed hope that Saibari would not be sidelined for the remainder of the tournament.

Saibari, 25, has been instrumental for Morocco, netting three goals so far in the competition. He scored in each of their group stage matches against Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland, and crucially, he provided the decisive goal in their Round of 16 victory over the Netherlands in a penalty shootout.

His injury forced him off the field during Morocco's 3-0 win against Canada in the previous round. The attacking midfielder's absence will be keenly felt as Morocco faces the formidable French team in Thursday's quarter-final. The match is scheduled for 10:00 PM Danish time. The two nations previously met in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, where France emerged victorious with a 2-0 win.