Morocco manager Walid Regragui has fresh concerns over three first-choice defenders for Saturday's World Cup 2022 third-placed playoff with Croatia at the Khalifa International Stadium.

Romain Saiss, Nayef Aguerd and Noussair Mazraoui all began the match against France in the semi-finals, but the trio dropped out one by one as the Atlas Lions fell to a 2-0 defeat.

Aguerd was replaced by Achraf Dari just before the first whistle blew, while Saiss came off on the 21-minute mark and Mazraoui only lasted one half before taking his place on the bench.

Regragui, whose defensive risk did not pay dividends on Wednesday, has only ruled Saiss out of the contest so far, but they are in good hands at the back regardless.

A lack of options could force Regragui into reverting to his 4-3-3 setup, as Jawad El Yamiq and Dari link arms in the heart of the backline in front of number one Yassine Bounou.

Achraf Hakimi should be fit to take his rightful place out wide as Yahia Attiyat-Allah comes back in for Mazraoui on the left, while the tireless Sofyan Amrabat will provide the one-man midfield screen.

Angers protege Azzedine Ounahi, who has succeeded with 10 of his 13 take-ons in Qatar, will likely continue ahead of Amrabat alongside the returning Selim Amallah as clubs queue up to sign the 22-year-old.

An unchanged attacking line ought to see Hakim Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal flank Youssef En-Nesyri, who only posted a record-low three touches of the ball before coming off early against France.

Morocco possible starting lineup: Bono; Hakimi, El-Yamiq, Dari, Attiyat-Allah; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal

> Click here to see how Croatia could line up for this match

Written by
Ben Knapton