Bayern Munich's new signing Ismael Saibari fails to recover from a hamstring strain ahead of Thursday's blockbuster semi-final rematch against France.
Morocco star Ismael Saibari will miss his team's blockbuster FIFA World Cup quarter-final showdown with France, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed on Wednesday.
"Everyone is 100 percent fit except Saibari. This game comes too soon for him, but I hope he is not out for the rest of the competition," Ouahbi told reporters ahead of Thursday's massive last-eight clash at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
Saibari, who has just joined German giants Bayern Munich from Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven on a five-year deal for a reported fee of £42.3 million (R936 million) has been one of the undisputed breakout stars of the tournament. The attacking midfielder scored in each of his side's three group games and coolly converted the winning penalty in the shootout as Morocco eliminated the Netherlands in the round of 32.
However, the dynamic playmaker limped off early with a hamstring problem during Saturday's impressive 3-0 victory against Canada in the round of 16 and has failed to recover in time. Soufiane Rahimi, an out-and-out striker who replaced Saibari in that fixture and netted Morocco's third goal, is expected to deputise.
