'I am so sorry': Moroccan World Cup star rushed to hospital with injury so horrific it leaves rival keeper in tears

Ayoub El Kaabi was rushed to hospital after suffering a horrific leg injury during Olympiacos' 1-1 draw with Volos on Saturday evening.The Morocco international was challenging for the ball shortly before half-time when his leg became trapped underneath Volos goalkeeper Marios Siampanis during the collision.El Kaabi immediately went down in agony, leaving players from both sides visibly shaken as medical staff rushed onto the pitch.El Kaabi's injury leaves players and goalkeeper in shockEl Kaabi, 33, had raced onto the ball and managed to get a touch before Siampanis reached it.The Volos goalkeeper then landed with his full weight on the striker's leg, which twisted violently underneath him.El Kaabi's screams could be heard as he remained on the turf receiving treatment. The severity of the injury quickly became apparent, leaving Siampanis visibly shaken.The goalkeeper broke down in tears while medical staff attended to the Olympiacos forward, clearly distressed by the accidental collision.Players from both teams were equally stunned. Olympiacos and Volos stars immediately waved frantically for medical assistance and called for the medical team to hurry onto the pitch.After several minutes of treatment, El Kaabi was carried from the pitch on a stretcher to applause from those inside the stadium. Armando Gonzalez came on in his place.The referee awarded Olympiacos a penalty following the incident, with Jota Silva stepping up to convert from the spot.The midfielder dedicated his celebration to El Kaabi, an emotional gesture that reflected the shock among his teammates after seeing the severity of the injury.El Kaabi was then taken to hospital, where he underwent tests to determine the full extent of the damage.Reports in Greece have claimed that he is expected to undergo surgery, while initial medical estimates suggest the striker could be sidelined for six to seven months.That timeline would represent a major blow for both Olympiacos and the Moroccan national team.Siampanis later addressed the incident himself, using his personal Instagram account to apologise directly to El Kaabi.“I am deeply sorry for what happened today, Ayoub,” the goalkeeper wrote, reiterating his deep regret over the devastating collision.Olympiacos also sent a message of support to their striker through the club's official channels.“Ayoub, in this difficult moment, the entire Olympiacos family stands by your side with all our hearts,” the club wrote.“Your strength, passion and fighting spirit have inspired us so many times. Now it’s our turn to send all that strength back to you.”El Kaabi has been a key player for OlympiacosThe injury came during a frustrating night for Olympiacos, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Volos and now sit second in the Greek league behind rivals AEK Athens.El Kaabi has been an important part of the side since joining the Greek giants in 2023, scoring an impressive 82 goals in 139 appearances.His form has also made him a regular presence for Morocco.He was included in Morocco's squad for the World Cup in North America this summer, making one appearance at the tournament.El Kaabi came on as a 70th-minute substitute during Morocco's 4-2 victory over Haiti in Group C.For now, however, football has taken a back seat.The striker faces a lengthy period on the sidelines after an injury that left his teammates and opponents visibly shaken.Siampanis could barely contain his emotions on the pitch and later felt compelled to apologise publicly to the player involved.Olympiacos have made their feelings clear too: they will be behind El Kaabi throughout what could be a six-to-seven-month road back.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.