Bad news for Tunisia and Zamalek: midfielder Ferjani Sassi could miss the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations due to a serious injury. The 26-year-old was forced off the field on Sunday after a heavy tackle during the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final against Hassania Agadir.
Medical reports indicate that Sassi suffered a non-displaced supramalleolar fracture, an injury requiring urgent surgery. As a result, he is expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks. This timeline rules him out of Zamalek’s remaining league fixtures and also makes him unavailable for the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals, a major blow for the Egyptian club.
For Tunisia, the injury comes at a critical moment as the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations approaches. Sassi has been a key figure in the national team’s midfield, providing creativity, defensive balance, and leadership. His absence will leave a significant gap, forcing coach Alain Giresse to consider alternative options and possibly adjust the team’s tactical setup.
While Sassi’s rehabilitation will be closely monitored, the uncertainty surrounding his fitness raises questions about whether he will be ready to compete in Egypt for the continental tournament. Fans and teammates alike will hope for a swift recovery, but at this stage, it appears unlikely that the midfielder will be fully fit in time.
Ferjani Sassi’s injury is a setback for both club and country, underlining the fine margins and challenges players face in balancing domestic competitions with international tournaments. Tunisia will need to adapt quickly to maintain its strength in midfield ahead of the AFCON kickoff.
