Morocco has decided to keep Ez Abde on its 2022 World Cup squad despite a knee injury the winger is carrying. The choice is a calculated risk — one that could pay off if Abde recovers quickly, or leave the team short-handed in the group stage.
A Calculated Bet on Abde's Recovery
Medical staff for Morocco's national team are working to get Abde back to match fitness before the tournament's decisive matches. The club's decision to stay with the squad signals confidence in that timeline, but no official update on his condition has been released. Coaches are balancing the potential boost from a fully fit Abde against the possibility that he might not be available at all.
Knee injuries are notoriously tricky, especially in a high-intensity setting like a World Cup. Morocco's gamble hinges on rehab progress over the next few days. If Abde can train normally by the second match, the risk may have been worth taking.
How the Injured Winger Fits Morocco's Plans
Abde brings pace and direct running on the flank, traits Morocco lacks in depth. His inclusion in the final 26-man roster means the team will carry a player who may only be able to contribute limited minutes — or none at all. That could force the coaching staff to adjust formations and rely more heavily on other attackers in early games.
Morocco's group-stage opponents will note the situation. Opposing defenses might prepare for a scenario where Abde is either absent or rusty, shifting how they approach marking assignments. The uncertainty cuts both ways: it complicates Morocco's preparation but also makes it harder for rivals to game-plan.
For now, Abde is listed as available on the official squad sheet. Whether he actually steps onto the pitch remains an open question that will be answered in the coming days, as Morocco opens its World Cup campaign.
