Moroccan international defender Naif Akrad will undergo surgery on Thursday to treat a groin inflammation he has been suffering from for some time, his French club Marseille announced on Wednesday. Marseille wrote in its official account: "Over the past few weeks, the defender has been playing while enduring pain and discomfort that worsened to the point where he could no longer continue playing under these conditions." It added: "Despite the precautionary treatments adopted by the club's medical staff, the development of the situation led to the decision to perform a surgery that has become necessary." While the club has not announced the player's absence period, Morocco's national team will miss him in its two upcoming friendly matches against Ecuador and Paraguay this month, in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The 29-year-old player has played 16 matches for Marseille this season in the French league and five in the Champions League. Marseille currently sits third in the French league, 11 points behind the leader and defending champion, Paris Saint-Germain.
