Algeria have suffered a major blow ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final after central defender Mohamed Amine Tougaï left the national team’s training camp through injury.
Team officials confirmed that medical assessments ruled Tougaï out of continued participation in the camp, forcing an early exit so he could begin a structured treatment programme under close supervision.
The decision followed consultations between the player and the national team’s medical staff, who agreed that immediate care offered the best chance of recovery.
Tougaï’s departure creates a significant gap at the heart of Algeria’s defence, an area that head coach Vladimir Petković had treated as a cornerstone of his tactical setup.
The centre-back had played a key role in shaping the team’s defensive stability during the tournament, and his absence now places added responsibility on the remaining defenders to maintain balance and organisation.
The timing of the injury compounds Algeria’s concerns. Preparations have entered a decisive phase as the team gears up for a high-stakes quarter-final clash against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
With little time available for adjustments, Petković must now reassess his options at the back and consider reshaping his defensive pairing ahead of one of the tournament’s most demanding fixtures.
Training sessions at the camp have continued, though the mood has shifted following Tougaï’s withdrawal.
Coaching staff have intensified tactical drills, focusing on cohesion and communication within the defensive unit as they adapt to the sudden change.
Players have also rallied around the squad, aware that setbacks often define knockout-stage tournaments.
For Tougaï, the focus now turns fully to recovery. By leaving the camp early, he can concentrate on treatment without the physical demands of full training, a move designed to prevent further complications.
Team officials have not provided a timeline for his return, underlining the priority placed on his long-term fitness.
Algeria’s supporters will hope the setback does not derail the team’s ambitions at AFCON 2025. As the quarter-final approaches, the challenge for Petković and his players lies in responding with resilience, discipline and tactical clarity against one of Africa’s most formidable opponents.
