A shocking lay-off: a painful injury sidelines Morocco star

Azzedine Ounahi faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The Panathinaikos midfielder and Morocco international underwent detailed medical examinations that returned a shocking diagnosis.

An MRI scan carried out on Monday morning confirmed a severe grade-three muscle tear in the biceps femoris of his right thigh, an injury ranked among the most complex in sports medical protocols.

Moroccan website Radio Mars quoted sources it described as "close to the circle of the Greek club" as saying the recovery period for this type of injury runs between two and a half and three months. That rules Ounahi out of the next Morocco camp and both matches against Niger, scheduled for 13 and 17 November 2026 in Morocco, in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

He picked up the injury as Panathinaikos beat Asteras 5-1 in the Greek league on Sunday, leaving the pitch on a stretcher. The scene sparked widespread concern among Moroccan fans and supporters of the Greek side.

The blow halts a bright start for the Moroccan star, who had scored three goals in eight appearances across all competitions this season.

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