Morocco compelled to make two injury substitutions before World Cup opener against Brazil

Saudi-based defender Marwane Saadane and striker ‌Amine Sbai have been called up as replacements, the Moroccan football association and FIFA ‌confirmed.

Aguerd, aged 30, has not featured since the beginning ‌of March because of a groin injury which necessitated surgery. ‌His rehabilitation stalled in April when it was discovered ‌that he had a fracture of his pubic bone.

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahabi held out hope that Aguerd would recover in time, but ‌concluded on Thursday that he would not be fit for this ‌month’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The 24-year-old Ezzalzouli ​was injured in a freak incident during the weekend friendly against Norway in Harrison, New Jersey.

While ​Morocco were defending a corner kick, team mate Chadi Riad landed awkwardly on Ezzalzouli's right knee. Ezzalzouli tried to carry on ⁠playing, but soon had ​to be withdrawn.

Both Aguerd and Ezzalzouli were part of the Morocco squad that reached the semi finals of the last World Cup in Qatar, as well as the final of the ‌Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in January.

Aguerd, however, was also injured at the last World Cup during the last 16 tie against Spain and missed their three subsequent matches in the tournament.

Saadane, aged 34, made his debut for Morocco in 2015 but has been an irregular squad member since, while 25 year old Sbai, who mainly plays on the left wing, earned his first cap earlier this month in ‌a World Cup warm up friendly against Burundi.

Both Saadane and ​Sbai were taken to the United States as cover and ‌have been training with the squad. Saadane appeared in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Norway as a second half substitute, while Sbai was named among the replacements.

Morocco begin their Group C campaign at the World Cup ⁠against Brazil at the ⁠New York/New Jersey Stadium ‌on Saturday.