The Tunisian national team will be without two key players for their upcoming fixtures, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019 qualifier against Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and a friendly against Algeria. Striker Wahbi Khazri and midfielder Ellyes Skhiri are both sidelined due to injuries and will remain with their respective clubs instead of joining the Carthage Eagles in Tunis.
Khazri, captain of the Tunisian national team and a central figure in their attack, had been expected to lead the squad in the decisive qualifier against Eswatini on March 22. However, the forward has been ruled out, creating a significant gap in Tunisia’s offensive lineup. His ability to create chances, score crucial goals, and provide leadership on the field makes his absence a notable blow for coach Alain Giresse as he prepares the team for these important matches.
Joining him on the sidelines is Ellyes Skhiri, the 23-year-old defensive midfielder from Montpellier HSC. Skhiri has become an integral part of Tunisia’s midfield, known for his tackling, ball distribution, and ability to shield the defense. His unavailability alongside Khazri limits the Carthage Eagles’ options in both defensive and transitional play, forcing Giresse to look to alternative players to fill the void.
The Tunisian Football Federation confirmed the news via its official Twitter account, stating: “Khazri and Ellyes Skhiri are out for the next two matches against Eswatini and Algeria (friendly, editor’s note) due to injury.” The statement did not provide details regarding the nature or severity of the injuries, leaving fans and analysts to speculate on the potential timeline for their return.
Both players will therefore miss the crucial qualifier against Eswatini on March 22, followed by the friendly against Algeria on March 26. Tunisia’s squad will need to adapt quickly, adjusting tactics and team selection to compensate for the absence of two of their most influential performers. For Giresse, this presents a challenge in terms of maintaining the team’s balance and effectiveness on both ends of the pitch.
The AFCON 2019 qualifiers remain a critical opportunity for Tunisia to secure their place in the tournament, and the absence of key players adds further pressure on the squad. While Khazri and Skhiri are sidelined, other attacking and midfield options will need to step up, taking on additional responsibility to ensure the Carthage Eagles remain competitive. The team will also need to maintain cohesion and defensive stability to offset the impact of these absences.
This development underscores the challenges national teams face during international windows, particularly when key players are unavailable due to injury or club commitments. Tunisia will now rely on squad depth, tactical adjustments, and the experience of remaining players to navigate this testing period successfully. Fans will be watching closely to see how the Carthage Eagles respond and whether they can continue their AFCON qualifying campaign without two of their most influential figures.
In summary, Tunisia heads into their upcoming matches against Eswatini and Algeria facing significant challenges with Wahbi Khazri and Ellyes Skhiri unavailable. The team’s ability to adapt, maintain performance levels, and secure results without these players will be crucial as they aim to advance in the AFCON 2019 qualifiers.
