Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi must find a solution at right-back after Achraf Hakimi was ruled out of the match against Gabon on 25 September.
Hakimi, captain of the Lions of the Atlas, is required to serve the final match of a suspension imposed by the CAF following incidents during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Paris Saint-Germain defender has also raised concerns after recently suffering an adductor injury.
The timing could give Espanyol Barcelona defender Omar El Hilali an opportunity, with the 23-year-old expected to be considered for Ouahbi’s squad for the opening two matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
“I hope to return. Representing your country is one of the most beautiful things a footballer can experience,” El Hilali told Mundo Deportivo.
His case is strengthened by an impressive start to the season. El Hilali started Espanyol Barcelona’s first five La Liga matches, playing 435 minutes and providing an assist in the 2-0 victory over Osasuna.
He has also been given greater attacking responsibility and has established himself as a regular starter for his club.
El Hilali, who was born in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, is already known to Morocco’s national team. He had previously made clear his desire to become a permanent member of the squad before earning his first cap.
Walid Regragui first selected him in September 2025, and El Hilali made his debut against Zambia. However, he played for only one minute.
He has not been recalled since, missing both the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup. That brief introduction to international football did not discourage him, and he has continued to focus on his performances for Espanyol Barcelona.
A call-up would not necessarily put El Hilali ahead of Hakimi in the pecking order. When available, the Paris Saint-Germain player remains Morocco’s established first choice.
However, Hakimi’s suspension gives Ouahbi a chance to examine a specialist alternative rather than simply use an emergency replacement.
El Hilali offers a different profile from Hakimi. He is defensively strong and can operate either as a conventional full-back or as part of a back three.
Noussair Mazraoui is another option on the right, although his possible use on the left could create an additional opening in the squad.
El Hilali’s situation had already raised questions during Regragui’s tenure, with the former manager leaving the door open to the defender despite several omissions from his squads.
Ouahbi’s squad announcement on Thursday will show whether El Hilali’s appeal has been successful. Selection would not guarantee him a starting place, but it would give him a genuine chance to compete for a role almost a year after his largely symbolic international debut.