Ouahbi rewards Morocco star and prepares to leave out Brahim Diaz
Doubts over Real Madrid player's participation with the Lions against Gabon and Lesotho
The Moroccan Football Federation has called up Villarreal striker Ilias Akhomach to the Morocco squad, and the move has raised plenty of questions. Morocco did not reveal which player would be dropped to make room for him.
Spanish newspaper "AS" reported on Tuesday evening that all the indications point to Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz as the man most likely to miss out, owing to the serious physical problems he has been battling in recent times.
On Monday, AS had revealed that Diaz played the recent matches through significant pain. That could be behind his absence from the Morocco squad during the current international break.
No official confirmation has come yet, but the signs suggest the Real Madrid player will sit out the matches against Gabon and Lesotho, then the anticipated friendly against Ghana, given his need to rest and recover from his physical troubles.
Akhomach: a new reward
Ilias Akhomach, by contrast, has been handed a fresh opportunity with the national team after coach Mohamed Ouahbi decided to call up the Villarreal striker.
Born outside Morocco, in Pierola near the Spanish city of Barcelona, Akhomach ultimately chose to represent the country of his origins at international level.
The 22-year-old has featured in 13 matches in the Morocco shirt so far. He is still searching for his first international goal.
Diaz: time to stop
Since the start of the current season, technical director Jose Mourinho has made clear through his statements and decisions just how much he relies on Diaz. The Moroccan has become an important figure on the right flank and repaid his coach's trust with strong displays.
Across his four seasons at Real Madrid, Diaz looks better placed than ever to cement his status as an indispensable regular. His current physical problems, though, may hold up that progress for now.
Leaving him out of this international break might even work in his favour. It hands him the rest he needs to recover and return to the pitch as soon as possible.
