
Brahim Diaz to miss Tunisia and Benin friendlies, Ezzalzouli doubtful
Brahim Diaz will miss the next two friendly matches for the Atlas Lions against Tunisia and Benin, confirmed the national team's doctor, Christophe Boudoux, who also noted that Abdessamad Ezzalzouli's status remains «very uncertain».
«Diaz will be absent. To be clear, his injury is not recoverable», Dr. Boudoux stated in a short video published on the Moroccan Royal Football Federation's (FRMF) YouTube channel.
Additionally, the team doctor mentioned an «agreement reached» with Club Bruges to rest Chemsdine Talbi while determining the exact nature of his injury. Nayef Aguerd, Romain Saïss, and Noussair Mazraoui are also sidelined due to injuries.
The friendlies against Tunisia and Benin are scheduled for June 6 and 9 at the Fès Sports Complex.
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