Hakimi's absence opens the door for El Hilali's return to Morocco national team

Absences and doubts surrounding Achraf Hakimi are prompting the Moroccan national team's coaching staff, led by Mohamed Wahbi, to explore new options at right-back ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers.

Achraf Hakimi will miss the match against Gabon scheduled for September 25 due to a suspension from the Africa Cup of Nations, following events from the final of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025. Additionally, his participation remains uncertain due to a recent injury to his adductor muscles with Paris Saint-Germain.

These developments give Omar El Hilali, RCD Espanyol Barcelona player, a chance to return to Morocco's national team considerations, especially given his good start with his team in LaLiga.

Omar El Hilali has started in all five matches of the season, totaling 435 minutes, and contributed to a goal during RCD Espanyol Barcelona's victory over Osasuna, continuing to confirm the development of his level, especially in the attacking aspect.

The 23-year-old player hopes to capitalize on this continuity to enhance his chances of returning to the ranks of the 'Atlas Lions', after he confirmed in statements to the newspaper 'Mundo Deportivo' his clear desire to represent Morocco again, emphasizing that defending the colors of the nation remains the most important goal in any player's career.

Previous international experience.

Omar El Hilali is no stranger to the Morocco national team, having previously been called up by former coach Walid Regragui in September 2025, where he made his first and only international appearance for one minute during the match against Zambia.

Despite his absence from the following lists, and his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup 2026, Omar El Hilali continues to work on improving his level and catching the attention of the coaching staff, benefiting from his stability in LaLiga.

RCD Espanyol Barcelona player offers tactical flexibility, able to play as a right-back or in a three-man defense, which could provide an additional solution for coach Mohamed Wahbi, even if he relies on Noussair Mazraoui on the left.

The list to be announced by the coaching staff on Thursday will reveal whether Omar El Hilali will get another chance to join the Moroccan national team and prove his worth to represent the 'Atlas Lions'.