Ammon News - Morocco have been hit by the loss of two starters to injury, with Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli replaced in their World Cup squad.

Saudi-based defender ​Marwane Saadane and striker Amine Sbai have been added as replacements, ‌the Moroccan federation and FIFA confirmed.

Aguerd, 30, has not played since the start of March because of a groin injury, which required surgery. His recovery stalled in April when ​it was discovered that he had a fracture of his pubic bone.

Morocco ​coach Mohamed Ouahabi kept up hope Aguerd would recover in ⁠time, but decided on Thursday that he would not be ready for this ​month’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The 24-year-old Ezzalzouli was hurt in ​a freak incident in the weekend’s friendly against Norway in Harrison, New Jersey.
As Morocco defended a corner kick, teammate Chadi Riad landed awkwardly on Ezzalzouli's right knee. Ezzalzouli attempted to ​continue playing, but soon had to be taken off.

Both Aguerd and Ezzalzouli ​were in the Morocco squad that reached the semi-final of the last World Cup in ‌Qatar, and ⁠also the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in January.

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

Saadane, 34, ​debuted for Morocco in ​2015 but has ⁠been an infrequent squad member since, while 25-year-old Sbai, who plays primarily on the left wing, won a first ​cap earlier this month in a World Cup warm-up friendly ​against Burundi.

Both ⁠Saadane and Sbai were taken to the U.S as cover and have been training with the squad. Saadane featured in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Norway as a ⁠second ​half replacement while Sbai was listed among the ​substitutes.

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