Key facts
- Morocco has withdrawn winger Abde Ezzalzouli and defender Nayef Aguerd from its World Cup squad due to injuries.
- Ezzalzouli and Aguerd were replaced by Amine Sbaï and Marwane Saadane.
- Belgium winger Jérémy Doku returned to practice after experiencing breathing issues.
- Doku is expected to be available for Belgium's World Cup opener.
- Belgium center back Zeno Debast is sidelined with a leg injury.
Morocco has been forced to replace two players in its World Cup squad ahead of its opening game against Brazil due to injuries. FIFA confirmed late Wednesday that former Barcelona player Abde Ezzalzouli and Marseille defender Nayef Aguerd were withdrawn from the squad for the tournament. Ezzalzouli, who helped Real Betis qualify for next season’s Champions League, was considered a potential breakout star. Aguerd was a key player in Morocco’s run to the semifinals at the 2022 World Cup. They have been replaced by Amine Sbaï of French club Angers and Marwane Saadane, who plays in Saudi Arabia. Ezzalzouli sustained a knee injury in a warmup game against Norway last weekend. Meanwhile, Belgium winger Jérémy Doku returned to practice on Wednesday after experiencing breathing issues during training on Tuesday. The 24-year-old player is expected to be available for Belgium's World Cup opener against Egypt on Monday. Doku's teammate Alexis Saelemaekers expressed confidence in his fitness, stating it was "nothing serious." Belgium center back Zeno Debast, 22, was absent from practice due to a leg injury sustained in May and is not expected back until later in the tournament.