Bayern Munich face an anxious wait over the fitness of summer signing Ismael Saibari after the midfielder suffered an injury during Morocco’s World Cup Round of 16 match against Canada. The 25-year-old was forced from the field just 22 minutes into the knockout fixture, cutting short his involvement in a contest where he had been expected to play a crucial role.
Saibari went down without any contact from an opposing player, immediately raising concerns among medical staff. The attacking midfielder appeared to suffer a thigh problem, clutching the affected area before signalling that he could not continue. Such non-contact incidents often indicate muscle complaints, though officials have yet to confirm the exact diagnosis or severity of the damage.
Soufiane Rahimi entered the contest as Saibari’s replacement, taking up the attacking midfield duties for the remainder of the tie. The substitution proved particularly damaging to Morocco’s tactical plans given Saibari’s outstanding form throughout the tournament. The Bayern newcomer had found the net three times prior to this encounter, establishing himself as one of Morocco’s most reliable offensive threats and a key figure in their attacking lineup.
The injury comes at a particularly challenging moment for both player and club. Having only recently completed his move to the German side, Saibari was beginning to build significant momentum on the global stage. His performances in the tournament had offered supporters a glimpse of the qualities that prompted Bayern to secure his services.
Bayern will now rely on medical assessments to determine whether their new recruit faces a significant spell on the sidelines or can return to action swiftly. With the competition entering its decisive phase, Saibari’s availability for any further matches remains uncertain. The club will work closely with the Moroccan medical team to establish a clear recovery timeline, hoping to avoid a lengthy absence that could delay the midfielder’s integration into the squad ahead of the forthcoming domestic campaign.