Olympiacos forward Ayoub El Kaabi could miss the remainder of the season after suffering a serious fracture to his left tibia during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Volos in the Greek league.
The Morocco international was injured shortly before half-time in the third round of the championship. He had raced through to challenge the opposition goalkeeper for a ball played in behind the defence and managed to reach it first, before the goalkeeper landed heavily on his left leg.
El Kaabi was left in considerable pain and immediately received treatment from the medical team. He was then carried from the pitch on a stretcher to applause from the crowd before being taken to hospital.
Television footage showed the severity of the injury, with the striker’s tibia appearing to be fractured and bent. The incident was difficult viewing and brought an early end to the 33-year-old’s involvement in the match.
His Olympiacos team-mate Jota Silva dedicated the opening goal to him after converting a penalty in the third minute of first-half stoppage time, although Volos eventually secured a draw.
After the final whistle, Olympiacos published a message of support for their injured player, urging him to “Reste fort” – “Stay strong”.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) also sent its best wishes to the forward.
“Bon retablissement, Ayoub El Kaabi ! Nous te souhaitons de te remettre rapidement.”
El Kaabi, who has won 72 caps for Morocco and scored 35 international goals, is now expected to miss the national team’s return to action. He will be unavailable for Morocco’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Gabon and Lesotho.
According to his Transfermarkt profile, the earliest projected date for his return is the end of March 2027. That estimate would represent a lengthy absence and could also rule him out for the rest of Olympiacos’ campaign.
The injury is a major setback for a player who has been an important part of Morocco’s recent success. El Kaabi was part of the Lions of the Atlas squad that reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
His latest setback came as Olympiacos attempted to build momentum in the Greek championship. Instead, the match will be remembered chiefly for the injury to their experienced striker, who was taken to hospital after receiving treatment on the pitch.
Morocco will now have to plan for their upcoming qualification fixtures without one of their leading attacking options. Olympiacos, meanwhile, are awaiting further medical information about the extent of the damage and the rehabilitation programme that will determine when El Kaabi can return to training and competitive football.