How Morocco could line up against France

Morocco manager Walid Regragui must contend with numerous defensive concerns for their World Cup 2022 semi-final with France at the Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday.

The Atlas Lions will become the first African team to contest a World Cup semi-final here, but only goalkeeper Yassine Bounou may feel confident about keeping his place in the backline.

Achraf Hakimi ought to be fit to start at right-back despite missing a training session prior to the win over Portugal, where he was able to complete the full 90 minutes.

However, Romain Saiss had to be stretchered off after exacerbating an existing hamstring problem, although he has insisted that he will do everything he can to be fit for the semi-final.

Regragui will therefore be desperate to have Nayef Aguerd back from the adductor injury that kept him out of the quarter-final, and the West Ham United man could partner Jawad El Yamiq, who performed admirably in his absence at the weekend.

Noussair Mazraoui also ceded the left-back spot to Yahia Attiyat Allah due to a hip flexor issue, and even though his stand in came up with the assist for the game’s only goal, Mazraoui should return to the backline if fit enough.

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Regragui has fewer concerns further forward, as breakthrough star Azzedine Ounahi continues alongside Sofyan Amrabat and Selim Amallah in the middle of the park.

Hakim Ziyech was the victim of some rough treatment against Portugal but should be fine to take his place in the attack alongside Sofiane Boufal and Youssef En-Nesyri, whose deputy Walid Cheddira is suspended after being sent off for two bookable offences at the weekend.

Morocco possible starting lineup: Bono; Hakimi, El Yamiq, Aguerd, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal