Bayern new signing Saibari fights for fitness ahead of World Cup quarter-final against France

Mild strain instead of serious injury

As the Moroccan outlet Almountakhab reports, Saibari's injury is merely a mild muscle strain. This assessment is fueling hopes in the World Cup quarter-finalist's camp that he could be available against France. Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi stressed that he would await clearance from the medical department before making a decision on the player's use. A final resolution is expected at short notice.

From the Moroccan national team's surroundings, optimism is reportedly growing that Saibari can play on Thursday. The player himself is currently following a special preparation program. Coach Ouahbi said of the situation: „Die Entscheidung fällt wohl sehr kurzfristig." The North Africans' coaching staff is also looking ahead to the match with confidence.

Bayern's plan depends on Morocco's World Cup run

Should Morocco be eliminated from the tournament, Saibari will begin the regular three-week vacation period following a World Cup exit with the national team. Bayern's preparation start is scheduled for July 20. The timing of his debut for the German record champions therefore depends significantly on how far Morocco goes at the World Cup.

Saibari had already been a topic of interest for the German record champions early on. According to information from the club's surroundings, Bayern had taken decisive steps to push the transfer forward. The estimated transfer fee for the player, whose contract at PSV Eindhoven ran until June 30, 2029, is put at around 55 million euros. In Eindhoven, the attacking midfielder had played his way into the international spotlight with strong performances at the World Cup.

The match between Morocco and France takes place on Thursday at 22:00 in Foxborough near Boston and will be broadcast by ARD and MagentaTV. The Argentine Facundo Tello has been appointed as referee. France cannot meet Argentina again in this tournament until the final or the third-place match – in the 2018 round of 16, France had beaten Argentina 4-3, before the Argentinians won the 2022 final in Qatar in a penalty shootout.

France focuses on Morocco, not on the referee

On the French side, Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano looked solely at the opponent. „Ich konzentriere mich nicht darauf, wer der Schiedsrichter ist. Das haben wir noch nie gemacht. Wir konzentrieren uns auf Marokko und wollen das Spiel gewinnen," the center-back told L'Équipe. Backup goalkeeper Robin Risser also warned against overemphasizing the discussion about the officials: „Wir dürfen nicht paranoid werden. Wenn diese Schiedsrichter dabei sind, dann weil sie dem Niveau des Wettbewerbs gewachsen sind."

The World Cup in the expanded format with 48 teams in 12 preliminary groups has been held since June 11 in the USA, Mexico, and Canada and lasts a total of 38 days. Morocco, one of Africa's top teams, has reached the quarter-finals and faces a European favorite there.

DFB search and structures in the background

In parallel to the quarter-final matches, the German Football Association (DFB) is planning the future of the men's national team. According to information from Frankfurt, the DFB is holding talks with Jürgen Klopp as the preferred candidate to succeed Julian Nagelsmann. Record international Lothar Matthäus wished the potential new national coach sufficient time and authority. Rudi Völler, whose contract with the DFB runs until 2028, said on the sidelines of a media event in Frankfurt: „Da gibt es welche, die nach mir oder auch mit mir, Thema werden können." Thomas Müller, working as an expert for MagentaTV, also stressed that building structures is more important than simply naming a new coach.

While the German plans are therefore more medium-term in nature, the focus of Moroccan fans is short-term: Thursday evening. Should Saibari actually be able to play, it would be his first match after the move to FC Bayern – albeit still in the national team jersey. His first game for the German record champions then depends on how far Morocco still goes and when the vacation period ends.