Akhomach Steps In as Diaz Takes a Breather for Morocco
The Moroccan Football Federation has lit the fuse under a fresh debate. Villarreal forward Ilias Akhomach has been called up for the latest international camp, but officials have refused to say who drops out to make room.
All eyes have turned to one name.
In Spain, “AS” reported on Tuesday night that the signs all point to Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz being the sacrificed star, worn down by serious physical problems after playing through pain in recent weeks. The same outlet revealed on Monday that Diaz had pushed himself to feature in his last matches despite suffering from severe discomfort, a detail that suddenly makes his international absence easier to understand.
No official statement has landed yet. No confirmation, no list amendment, no medical bulletin. Still, the indications are strong: Diaz is expected to miss Morocco’s games against Gabon and Lesotho, and then the high-profile friendly against Ghana, to give his body the pause it clearly needs.
Akhomach’s Door Opens
For Ilias Akhomach, the situation creates an opening. And he has seized it.
Coach Mohamed Ouahbi has turned to the Villarreal attacker, handing him another chance to stake a claim in a squad that continues to evolve ahead of bigger tests to come. Born in Pierola, in the Barcelona region, Akhomach grew up in Spain but chose Morocco, the land of his roots, when it came to international football.
He is still at the beginning of that journey. At 22, he already has 13 caps, yet he is still hunting his first goal for the national team. This call-up is another step, another audition. With a key attacking role potentially up for grabs in Diaz’s absence, the opportunity could hardly be clearer.
Diaz Forced to Pause
Back in Madrid, the story is different. It’s about managing risk.
Jose Mourinho has made no attempt to hide how much he leans on Brahim Diaz. From the start of the current season, the coach’s selections and his public stance have underlined the winger’s importance on the right flank. Diaz has responded with sharp, influential performances that have pushed him closer than ever to guaranteed starter status in his fourth season at Real Madrid.
Then came the physical issues. Pain, fatigue, and the sense that each game was coming at a cost.
That is where the momentum has stalled. For now.
Skipping this international window could be exactly what Diaz needs. Instead of boarding a plane and adding more minutes to already tired legs, he gets something far more valuable at this stage: rest. Recovery. The chance to reset before club and country demand his spark again.
Morocco lose a star for this camp. Akhomach gains a stage. Diaz, though, might be the one who benefits most when the next decisive stretch of the season arrives.
