Morocco sweat over Abdessamad Ezzalzouli's readiness ahead of AFCON later this year

He continues to recover from an ankle injury suffered during Real Betis' UEFA Conference League final clash against Chelsea.

Ezzalzouli, a key attacking option for the Atlas Lions, was forced off just before the hour mark in the final, which ended in a Chelsea victory.

While early medical reports were optimistic, the player's slow recovery has cast doubt over his readiness for the continental showpiece on home soil, Moroccoworldnews.com reported.

The 22-year-old was initially named in Morocco's training squad for friendlies against Benin and Tunisia, but national coach Walid Regragui opted to leave him out following a medical re-assessment, choosing caution over risk with the tournament just months away.

The situation has become more concerning as sources at Betis confirm the winger is still relying on crutches and experiencing discomfort. This contradicts the club's earlier stance that the injury was minor.

Ezzalzouli has emerged as a symbol of Morocco's next generation. With 23 senior international caps to his name, along with leadership roles in the Under-23 side that won the 2023 Under-23 AFCON and took bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics, his absence would be a major blow to Regragui's plans.

As hosts of AFCON 2025, Morocco face immense pressure to deliver - and Ezzalzouli's prolonged recovery presents an unwanted distraction ahead of a highly anticipated tournament.