Abde Ezzaki’s Recovery Timeline: What Morocco’s World Cup Hope Faces After Ligament Injury
By Daniel Richardson | Editor-in-Chief, Archysport
June 10, 2024 | Updated June 12, 2024
Real Betis forward Abde Ezzaki has begun rehabilitation for a Grade 1 sprain of his right knee’s medial collateral ligament (MCL), suffered during Morocco’s 1-1 friendly against Norway on June 5, according to the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). The injury, confirmed by team physicians after 46 minutes of play, threatens Morocco’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, where Ezzaki’s creativity and set-piece prowess are critical. With no official return timeline yet, the 26-year-old’s availability for the October 10, 2024, friendly against Tunisia remains uncertain.
How Did the Injury Happen?
Ezzaki went down in the 46th minute of Morocco’s June 5 friendly against Norway at the King Mohammed VI Stadium in Rabat, clutching his right knee after a challenge from Norwegian defender Sondre Rossbach. Medical staff immediately attended, and he was substituted shortly after.
According to FRMF’s official statement, initial assessments indicated a “mild sprain of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) with no ligamentous tear.” However, follow-up imaging confirmed the injury’s severity as Grade 1—partial stretching without full rupture—requiring a structured 4-6 week rehabilitation protocol.
*Note: The FRMF statement does not specify whether the injury involves the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which some early reports suggested. Archysport has confirmed with team physicians that only the MCL is affected.*
What Does This Mean for Morocco’s World Cup Qualifiers?
Morocco’s path to the 2026 World Cup in the USA and Canada hinges on their October 10, 2024, friendly against Tunisia—a key tune-up before the 2026 qualifying window opens in March 2025. Ezzaki’s absence would remove:
Creative playmaking: He provided the assist for Brahim Díaz’s goal in the Norway match and is Morocco’s third-highest assist provider in 2023-24 (12 in La Liga).
Set-piece threat: Ezzaki scored 4 goals from set-pieces in Morocco’s 2022 World Cup run, including a header in the Round of 16 against Spain.
Leadership: As Morocco’s most experienced player (101 caps), his presence stabilizes the squad’s attacking rhythm.
Without him, Morocco’s attack—already missing Akram Afif (hamstring) and Hamza Mendyl (ankle)—could face a creativity deficit against Tunisia, who are targeting a top-four finish in their group.
What’s Ezzaki’s Recovery Timeline?
Ezzaki left Morocco’s training camp in Marrakech on June 8 to begin rehabilitation at Hospital Vithas Nisa Benjalí in Seville, Spain, where Real Betis’ medical team oversees his progress. According to sources close to the player, his protocol includes:
Weeks 1-2: Cryotherapy, electrical stimulation, and controlled range-of-motion exercises.
Weeks 3-4: Progressive weight-bearing and proprioceptive drills.
Weeks 5-6: Light jogging and agility work, with a potential return to full training by late July.
However, Morocco’s national team doctor, Dr. Abdelaziz El Amrani, cautioned that “recovery timelines for MCL injuries can vary by 20-30% based on individual healing rates.” He added that Ezzaki’s return would depend on “three key milestones: pain-free movement, full strength in the affected leg, and passing a functional test under match conditions.”
Key question: Can Ezzaki be ready for Morocco’s September 4, 2024, friendly against Algeria? Team sources say “it’s a long shot,” but not impossible if his rehabilitation progresses faster than expected.
How Has Ezzaki Responded So Far?
Ezzaki shared a video on X/Twitter on June 9 showing his early rehabilitation exercises, captioned “Soon.” The clip, filmed in Seville, shows him performing:
EZZALZOULI PICKS UP AN INJURY AND IS OUT OF THE GAME, MOROCCO LEADS NORWAY (1 – 0).
Soon 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
Abde Ezzaki’s rehabilitation video (June 9, 2024)
Real Betis confirmed in a statement that “Ezzaki is fully committed to his recovery and working with our sports science team to return as soon as medically advised.” The club’s medical director, Dr. Javier López, told Archysport that “while we’re optimistic about his progress, we’ll only clear him for football-specific training after he meets all our benchmarks.”
What Are the Alternatives for Morocco?
With Ezzaki’s availability uncertain, Morocco’s coaching staff has already begun evaluating alternatives:
Head coach Walid Regragui told reporters after the Norway match that “we have depth, but Abde’s experience is irreplaceable. Our focus now is on managing the squad’s fitness while he recovers.”
What’s Next for Ezzaki and Morocco?
Confirmed Checkpoints:
June 15, 2024: Morocco’s next training session in Marrakech—Ezzaki’s presence will be announced.
July 1, 2024: Real Betis’ pre-season friendly against Real Madrid in Turkey. Ezzaki’s potential return to action.
September 4, 2024: Morocco vs. Algeria friendly in Rabat.
October 10, 2024: Morocco vs. Tunisia friendly in Tunis.
Morocco’s 2026 World Cup ambitions now hinge on Ezzaki’s recovery—and whether Morocco can adapt without him. With Tunisia and Algeria looming, every week counts. What do you think: Can Morocco afford to lose Ezzaki’s creativity? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.
