Mazraoui and Ezzalzouli forced off in final warm up
Morocco ended their World Cup build up with a 1 1 draw against Norway, but the result came with new concerns over key players before the tournament begins.
The Atlas Lions are in Group C with Scotland, Brazil and Haiti. They start their campaign on Saturday night against Brazil in New York, before later facing the Scots.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi will now be waiting for updates after Nouassir Mazraoui and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli both picked up knocks during the friendly in New Jersey.
Manchester United left back Mazraoui lasted only 17 minutes before being replaced by Youssef Belammari. Ezzalzouli then came off at half time, with Soufiane Rahimi taking his place after the winger felt a minor muscle issue.
Brahim Diaz strikes before Norway respond
Morocco made a strong start and went in front after just seven minutes. Ezzalzouli helped create the chance before Brahim Diaz finished low to give Ouahbi’s side an early lead.
The Moroccans looked the better team for much of the first half and controlled long spells before Norway made changes after the break.
Those substitutions helped Norway settle into the match, and they found an equaliser when Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard finished well.
Rangers midfielder Thelo Aasgaard was also introduced in the second half, earning his eighth cap for Norway as they fought back to secure the draw.
Aguerd remains a concern before Scotland meeting
Morocco also have doubts over first choice centre back Nayef Aguerd, who missed the match against Norway.
The Marseille defender has not played since early March because of a groin problem, and Ouahbi has not yet confirmed whether he will be fit enough to feature at the World Cup.
“Regarding Nayef Aguerd, he’s following the protocol that we’ve put in place,” Ouahbi said last week.
“We still have time to make a decision, and we’ll continue to follow the protocol, but we also have [Marwane] Saadane, who’s here.”
With Mazraoui, Ezzalzouli and Aguerd all under watch, Morocco’s medical situation has become a key issue just days before their opening match and ahead of their Group C clash with Scotland.
