Morocco sweating on fitness of three key stars ahead of World Cup opener

The Atlas Lions completed their World Cup preparations with a 1-1 draw against Norway on Sunday, but the result was overshadowed by fresh injury setbacks involving Noussair Mazraoui and Abdessamad  Ezzalzouli, while Nayef Aguerd remains a doubt after missing the match altogether.

Manchester United defender Mazraoui was forced off during the first half after suffering a shoulder injury, while winger Ezzalzouli was substituted at the break following a leg problem. Both players are set to undergo further medical assessment, although Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has expressed optimism over Mazraoui's availability for the team's Group C opener against Brazil on June 13.

"He received a punch to the shoulder," Ouahbi told reporters after the match. "He will be available for the next match against Brazil."

The positive update will come as a major relief for Morocco, who view Mazraoui as one of their most influential players. The 28-year-old has made 45 appearances for the national team and was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Initial reports suggested the defender may have suffered a minor shoulder dislocation, although the extent of the injury is expected to become clearer following further examinations.

The situation surrounding Ezzalzouli is less certain. The winger played a key role in Morocco's opening goal, helping create the chance for Brahim Diaz to score after seven minutes, but was unable to continue beyond half-time after sustaining a muscle strain.

Morocco are also monitoring the progress of Aguerd, who has not featured since early March because of a groin injury. The Marseille centre-back remains on a rehabilitation programme as he races to be fit for the World Cup.

"Regarding Nayef Aguerd, he's following the protocol that we've put in place," Ouahbi said recently. "We still have time to make a decision, and we'll continue to follow the protocol."

On the field, Morocco produced an encouraging display for long periods against Norway and looked set for victory after Diaz's early strike. However, the Scandinavians improved after the interval and eventually levelled through Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard.

Despite the draw, Morocco's main concern is now the fitness of several important players ahead of a demanding group-stage campaign that will also see them face Scotland and Haiti.

The Atlas Lions are hoping to build on their historic run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup, but ensuring the availability of key figures such as Mazraoui, Ezzalzouli and Aguerd could prove crucial to their chances of making another deep run in the tournament.

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