Morocco's plans for their World Cup quarterfinal against France have been shaken after it was confirmed that star forward Ismael Saibari will miss the match due to a hamstring injury.

Saibari sustained the injury in the last-16 match against Canada and has not recovered in time, coach Mohamed Ouahbi said on Wednesday. "Everyone is 100 percent fit except Saibari. This game comes too soon for him," Ouahbi told reporters.

Saibari, who recently joined Bayern Munich from PSV Eindhoven for €50 million, has been a standout player at the tournament, scoring in all three group games and converting the winning penalty in the shootout against the Netherlands.

The attacking midfielder came off early in the 3-0 win over Canada. Should Morocco progress, Saibari might return for the semifinals. Ouahbi dismissed suggestions of a successful tournament already, insisting on winning.

Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz expressed confidence in the team's ability to compete with France, despite facing club teammate Kylian Mbappe.

Source: www.aljazeera.com