Moroccan coach Walid Regragui initially included Hakim Ziyech in an extended roster for the national team’s upcoming training camp, preparing for the crucial African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho. However, the final squad list released today notably excludes the Galatasaray midfielder, a decision met with widespread public interest.
According to sources close to the team, Ziyech’s omission is strictly due to athletic reasons. The player has been sidelined for some time following a recent injury while representing Morocco, which, coupled with limited playtime at Galatasaray, has hindered his match readiness. This absence from regular competition has led to questions regarding his fitness and capacity to contribute effectively in the high-stakes qualifiers.
Beyond fitness issues, Ziyech’s return to “the Atlas Lions” sparked discussions for additional reasons. First, his prolonged recovery had already cast doubts on his immediate availability. Additionally, a recent social media post, where he expressed support for Palestine, drew attention for its tone and timing, prompting mixed reactions among fans and analysts. Ziyech made a brief return to the pitch yesterday, playing 20 minutes in Galatasaray’s UEFA Europa League clash against Tottenham Hotspur—his first appearance since the injury. Known as one of Morocco’s finest players, Ziyech has had a storied international career, from key goals and assists to a brief self-imposed hiatus from national duty under previous coach Vahid Halilhodžić.
08/11/2024
