Morocco may be without two key players for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying double-header against Niger, with Soufiane Rahimi now a major doubt to join the squad.

The Lions of the Atlas are scheduled to face Niger in Casablanca on 13 November before meeting them again in Rabat on 17 November, in the third and fourth rounds of qualification.

Azzedine Ounahi of Panathinaikos is already set to miss the matches. Rahimi, who plays for Al Ain, could now also be forced to withdraw after suffering a hamstring injury.

The 30-year-old started Thursday’s President’s Cup match in the United Arab Emirates but was substituted after 30 minutes. He had complained of discomfort in his hamstring before falling to the ground and leaving the pitch in tears at Rashid Stadium.

Rahimi was consoled by his brother, Houssine Rahimi, and team-mate Yahya Ben Khaleq as the crowd applauded the emotional scene.

The full extent of the injury will not be known until further medical examinations have been completed. However, the Morocco international could be unavailable for at least three weeks, making him highly doubtful for the national-team gathering and, in theory, ruled out.

Rahimi has been a regular part of Mohamed Ouahbi’s squads and has become an important option in the team’s attacking rotation. He has often made an impact after coming off the bench.

He scored in Morocco’s 2-0 victory against Gabon and supplied an assist in the 0-2 win over Lesotho during the opening two rounds of qualification.

The forward has won 46 caps for Morocco and scored 15 international goals.