Morocco and Montpellier midfielder Younes Belhanda has been ruled out of next Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Ivory Coast because of injury. "Belhanda will be out of the pitches for at least three weeks," Morocco's doctor was quoted as saying. It is another blow for the Atlas Lions as injured-striker Oussama Assaidi was also ruled out of the crucial tie. According to Mountakhab.net, coach Eric Gerets will give veteran striker Youssef Hadji a call to strengthen his offence against the Elephants. The 22-year-old playmaker sustained an ankle injury following a tackle from Gambia's Mustafa Gargo last Saturday in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers opening round. Belhanda was given the Ligue1 Young Player of the Year award after Montpellier was crowned for the first time as champions of France. Morocco will host 2012 African Cup of Nations finalists next Saturday in Marrakech for the second round of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter:@AO Sports) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/43835.aspx