Algerian national football team, Villarreal’s seasoned central defender, Aïssa Mandi, has marked his return to training after being sidelined for several weeks due to an ankle injury.
This development comes as a welcome relief for the team and its head coach, Djamel Belmadi.
Mandi, who sustained the injury during the match against Mozambique, which resulted in a 2-0 victory for the Fennecs in their previous gathering, is now on the path to recovery.
Villarreal has officially confirmed his return to training, although he is not yet included in the squad for the upcoming Europa League fixture against Stade Rennais on Thursday.
While Mandi’s immediate participation may be pending, the gradual resurgence of the 32-year-old defender is indeed excellent news for the Algerian national selection.
Aïssa Mandi, with 88 caps and 4 goals since his debut in 2014, stands as an experienced and indispensable figure in the defensive lineup of the Greens.
Before his injury setback, the Châlons-en-Champagne native had featured in eleven matches across various competitions for Villarreal this season.
This positive development gains added significance amid concerns over the physical conditions of several key players in the Algerian team.
Rayan Aït-Nouri of Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League is still in the recovery phase and faces uncertainty regarding his availability for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Additionally, Islam Slimani is actively participating with his Brazilian club Coritiba, and Ismaël Bennacer, while back on the field for AC Milan, is managing partial match involvements.
These uncertainties cast a shadow over Belmadi’s preparations just a month before the AFCON, underscoring the pivotal nature of Mandi’s return to the fold.
Aïssa Mandi de retour à l’entraînement avec Villarreal !🇩🇿🤩 pic.twitter.com/fRknx8BA3F
— ⭐️Squadra Khadra🇩🇿 (@Squadra213) December 13, 2023
