Algerian midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki will miss his first national team training camp since joining the squad in 2021, as he continues to recover from an injury sustained in January while playing for Feyenoord.
The 26-year-old has not featured for his club in nearly two months and will be absent from Algeria’s upcoming preparations.
Key absence for Algeria
With 41 caps to his name, Zerrouki has become a key figure in Algeria’s midfield, seamlessly integrating into the team and earning a starting role early in his international career.
His consistency has been notable, as he has never missed a training camp under either former coach Djamel Belmadi or current manager Vladimir Petković.
Zerrouki’s international journey
Since making his debut against Botswana, the Ajax-trained midfielder has made 32 starts for Algeria, with most of his substitute appearances coming in friendly matches.
Initially viewed as a successor to Adlène Guedioura in the defensive midfield role alongside Ismaël Bennacer and Sofiane Feghouli, Zerrouki saw his playing time briefly diminish following Algeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
Belmadi experimented with different midfield options, including Hicham Boudaoui, Ramiz Zorgane, and Nabil Bentaleb.
However, after Algeria’s disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign in 2024, Zerrouki regained his place and has remained an important part of Petković’s plans, particularly with Bennacer sidelined due to injury.
Injury disrupts season
Zerrouki’s struggles this season have been compounded by a leg injury that kept him out of Feyenoord’s squad since mid-January.
He was also absent for Algeria’s recent friendly against Liberia after being released from the squad.
His recovery has been slower than expected, and his absence from this month’s training camp marks the first time he has been unable to join the national team since his debut.
Algeria will now have to adjust their midfield plans without Zerrouki as they continue preparations for future competitions.
