Morocco coach Walid Regragui has dismissed reports that defender Nayef Aguerd is injured, insisting the centre-back is fit and ready for Friday’s Africa Cup of Nations Group A clash against Mali.

“Who told you Aguerd is injured? He’s training as usual and has no problems,” Regragui told reporters.

Regragui did confirm that captain Romain Saiss will miss the game due to a muscle injury sustained against Comoros in Morocco’s tournament opener. Meanwhile, full-back Achraf Hakimi, recently crowned African Player of the Year, is recovering from an ankle problem suffered while playing for Paris Saint-Germain last month and could feature briefly.

“Hakimi is doing well, and we’ll make the best decision for him,” the coach said.

Regragui also praised 19-year-old defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, calling him “a great talent.”

“I’ve been following him for years. I called him up a year and a half ago when he was just a substitute at Rennes, and people criticised me. Today, everyone is praising him – that shows our vision is long-term,” Regragui explained. “We must not burn the player. We’ll use him at the right time. We’ll see if he starts tomorrow or comes in later.”

Ait Boudlal shared his coach’s confidence, saying: “We know the responsibility we carry. Every game is tough and requires full concentration. We listen carefully to the coach’s instructions and aim to deliver a performance that meets fans’ expectations.”

Morocco opened the tournament with a 2-0 victory over Comoros and can secure qualification with a win against Mali at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

“It will be a tough match against a strong team,” Regragui added.