Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic relieved as Houssem Aouar injury not serious​

Algeria midfielder Houssem Aouar will miss Al Ittihad’s King’s Cup quarterfinal against Al Shabab this Saturday after picking up an injury, but early reports suggest he should be sidelined for only around two weeks.

The nature of the problem has not been fully detailed, yet the latest updates indicate his participation at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, kicking off on 21 December, remains on track.​

Aouar was forced off after about an hour in Al Ittihad’s recent AFC Champions League match against Al Duhail, despite the club already managing his minutes carefully in previous games. This short recovery window should allow him to regain full fitness before joining up with the national team, especially as the upcoming FIFA Arab Championship will trigger a pause in domestic competitions, reducing the physical load.​

For Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic, the news is a relief, as a long-term absence for Aouar, on top of captain Riyad Mahrez’s own fitness considerations, could have seriously disrupted preparations.

Both players are expected to use the period before the AFCON to sharpen up through friendly matches, with their performances likely to cement their places in the final 23-man squad for the tournament.