Espérance de Tunis hit by double injury blow ahead of international break

Espérance de Tunis have confirmed that defenders Mohamed Ben Ali and Mohamed Amine Tougaï will miss the international break due to injuries sustained during their most recent match.

The Tunisian champions announced on Monday, 6 October 2025, that both players had undergone medical assessments following discomfort picked up in Sunday’s fixture.

The results have ruled them out of joining their respective national teams during this international window.

In an official statement, the club explained that Mohamed Ben Ali suffered a minor muscle issue but assured supporters that the situation is not serious.

Mohamed Ben Ali underwent radiological examinations today, which confirmed a slight muscle injury sustained during yesterday’s match. This injury does not pose any danger, Espérance said, adding that the player will continue to be monitored as a precaution and undergo additional tests to track his progress.

Meanwhile, Algerian international Mohamed Amine Tougaï has also been sidelined after picking up a separate muscle injury.

The 25-year-old, a mainstay in both Espérance’s back line and the Algerian national squad, has been advised to rest while awaiting further scans to determine the timeline for his recovery.

Imaging tests are planned to determine the date of his gradual return to training, the club confirmed.

The absence of Tougaï is a particular setback for Algeria, as the defender had been included in coach Vladimir Petkovic’s plans for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

His injury forced the national team to make a late adjustment to their squad earlier this week.

For Espérance, the timing of the injuries is less than ideal, though the club will use the international break to allow both players to heal without missing domestic action.

Ben Ali, one of the team’s most consistent performers this season, and Tougaï, a commanding presence in central defense, are both expected to return to full training once cleared by the medical staff.

The club’s medical department remains optimistic about their recoveries, describing both cases as minor but requiring careful management to prevent recurrence.

As the Tunisian giants regroup during the break, the focus will be on ensuring their players return fit and ready for the resumption of league and continental competitions.

For now, Espérance de Tunis will have to make do without two of their defensive pillars, hoping the international pause will provide enough time for both to make a full recovery.