Moroccan national team player Tawfik Bentayeb has been cleared to travel with the team after an extensive medical assessment following an injury during a match with Anderlecht on Saturday. The 24-year-old suffered an injury which required his hospitalization as a precaution after being struck in the face during a challenge. Bentayeb had earlier opened the scoring in the 40th minute before the collision forced him off.
Anderlecht confirmed on Monday that Bentayeb is fit to travel with the Moroccan national team and that his place in Morocco's squad remains unaffected. However, the striker will not be available for Morocco's first match of the international window against Gabon on September 25. In line with FIFA's medical protocol for suspected concussion, Bentayeb will follow an individual recovery programme over the next seven to 10 days.
Bentayeb earned his first call-up to Morocco's senior squad under coach Mohamed Ouahbi and was included in the 29-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho, as well as the friendly against Ghana. Despite the setback, Bentayeb heads into his first international camp after an impressive start to life in Belgium, scoring in consecutive league matches against Mechelen and Zulte Waregem.
Bentayeb joined Anderlecht from Troyes during the summer after finishing last season as Ligue 2's leading scorer. His form earned him another opportunity with the Atlas Lions after he made his senior debut earlier this year and scored against Burundi in a friendly. Morocco will face Gabon in Rabat on September 25 before travelling to South Africa to meet Lesotho on September 29.
The Atlas Lions will then take on Ghana in Tangier on October 4. Bentayeb's recovery programme will ensure that he is cleared to return to action for Morocco after completing the required period. This will be a crucial period for Bentayeb as he aims to make an impact in his first international camp with Morocco.
Anderlecht officially confirmed that Bentayeb was discharged from hospital at around 2 a.m with examinations showing no serious injury. The medical assessment and subsequent recovery programme will ensure that Bentayeb's health and safety are prioritized. Morocco's coaching staff will be monitoring his progress closely.
The development comes as Morocco prepares for a busy international schedule, with matches against Gabon, Lesotho, and Ghana. Key points to note are Bentayeb's clearance to travel with Morocco, his absence from the Gabon match, and his inclusion in the 29-man squad for the upcoming qualifiers and friendly.
Key points
- Tawfik Bentayeb cleared to travel with Morocco despite injury
- Bentayeb ruled out of Gabon clash due to concussion protocol
- Morocco to face Gabon, Lesotho, and Ghana in upcoming matches
