Tunisia Suffer Injury Blow Ahead of Crucial AFCON Qualifiers Against Senegal
Tunisia’s preparations for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have been dealt a blow after forwards Fakhreddine Ben Youssef and Amine Chermiti sustained injuries during training.
The pair were forced to cut short Tuesday’s national team session after picking up knocks that now place their participation in serious doubt for the key double-header against Senegal. The two sides are set to meet in the third and fourth rounds of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
According to reports from StarAfrica, Ben Youssef suffered a muscle strain, while Chermiti is nursing a sprained ankle. With just three days to go before the first leg, the Tunisian medical team now face a race against time to determine whether either player will recover in time to feature.
The potential absence of the experienced attacking duo is a significant concern for Tunisia’s head coach, who is already navigating a highly competitive Group G. Both Tunisia and Senegal currently sit joint-top of the group with six points each after strong starts to their respective campaigns.
Ben Youssef, known for his versatility and attacking vision, has been a regular figure in Tunisia’s squad in recent years. Chermiti, a seasoned international with sharp instincts in front of goal, brings vital experience to the front line. Their injuries now pose tactical questions ahead of a fixture that could prove decisive in determining group supremacy.
The Eagles of Carthage will host Senegal in the first encounter before travelling to Dakar for the return leg. The Lions of Teranga, led by a strong core of European-based stars, have looked formidable so far, making the upcoming ties crucial for Tunisia’s qualification hopes.
Only the top two teams in each group, along with the best third-placed side across all groups, will book a spot in the final tournament.
As Tunisia await further medical assessments on both players, fans and coaching staff alike will be hoping for a swift recovery. But with time running out, the team may be forced to consider alternative options in attack for what promises to be a fiercely contested battle between two of Africa’s footballing heavyweights.
