Mohamed Wahbi explains En-Nesyri call-up and gives updates on Mazraoui, Diaz and injured players

Morocco coach Mohamed Wahbi defended his choices for the November camp squad, explaining Youssef En-Nesyri’s return and stressing that playing time at club level is not the only criterion for a call-up. He also discussed Brahim Diaz’s situation at Real Madrid and injuries affecting four players, following the announcement of the squad for two matches against Niger on 13 and 17 November in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Wahbi said En-Nesyri had remained in the extended squad and under the coaching staff’s watch during his spell with Ittihad Jeddah, and that the coaches had recently preferred strikers with similar attributes. He added that En-Nesyri’s qualities could give the team an added option against Niger.

Wahbi rejected the idea that the number of minutes played was the decisive factor in selection, pointing to the importance of cohesion and players’ suitability for the team’s approach. He defended Noussair Mazraoui’s call-up, citing his performances for Morocco and stressing that limited appearances for his club do not necessarily mean losing his place in the national team.

He explained that Diaz wants to play more for Real Madrid but faces strong competition there, while the coaching staff have no concerns about his level with the national team. Wahbi said he hoped international appearances would help Diaz perform well and earn more opportunities with his club, while acknowledging that he does not interfere in the choices made by Real Madrid’s coaches.

Wahbi spoke about injuries to Azzedine Ounahi, Ismael Saibari, Soufiane Rahimi and Ayoub El Kaabi, saying he was following their rehabilitation without giving a precise date for their return. He noted that the team might have some of them back in March, reaffirmed his confidence that they would return before the Africa Cup of Nations, and said the absences were prompting the coaching staff to try alternatives and give other players an opportunity.