Houssam Aouar’s late withdrawal from Algeria’s squad at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has continued to fuel debate, with lingering questions over whether injury alone explained his absence from the tournament.
The issue resurfaced in the wake of renewed controversy surrounding the national team, following the international retirement of USM Alger goalkeeper Oussama Benbot and the lack of any official response from the Algerian Football Federation.
Against that backdrop, reports published by a Doha-based website claimed that internal tensions during the AFCON could have lasting consequences for several players selected by head coach Vladimir Petkovic.
According to those reports, two members of the AFCON squad – full-back Youcef Atal and striker Baghdad Bounedjah – could face uncertain futures with the national side.
In Atal’s case, the explanation is said to be purely sporting, linked to concerns over form and physical condition. For Bounedjah, however, the reasons appear more complex, with suggestions that his reaction to Petkovic’s tactical choices during the group-stage defeat by Nigeria played a role. Analysts reviewing that match argued that tensions were visible as Algeria struggled to impose themselves.
Questions have also been raised about other players, including Illan Kebal, who reportedly expressed frustration at limited playing time during the five matches Algeria played at the tournament.
Yet it is the case of Houssam Aouar that has generated the most speculation. The Al Ittihad FC midfielder initially joined the squad at the Sidi Moussa National Technical Centre and trained normally ahead of the AFCON. His withdrawal came only a day before the team’s departure for Rabat, with the federation citing a sudden pubalgia.
The lack of detailed medical communication at the time led to rumours, including claims that Aouar had sought clarity from the coach over his role in the tournament and, dissatisfied with the response, opted to leave the camp under the cover of injury to avoid controversy.
Some media outlets even questioned whether a disagreement with Petkovic lay behind his exit, particularly following earlier withdrawals by Amine Gouiri and Youcef Belaïli.
Although the late call-up of Himed Abdelli eased some concerns, Aouar’s departure remained an enigma, especially after reports suggested that his visit to Aspetar in Qatar focused on fitness work rather than treatment.
Clarity arrived days later when Al Ittihad coach Sérgio Conceição addressed the issue, saying the player had been “spared” and that the decision was “coordinated between the club’s medical staff and that of the national team”.
Ultimately, the outcome appears to suit all sides. Aouar is focused on regaining full fitness and finishing the season strongly, with the 2026 World Cup firmly in mind. While doubts may persist among observers, the episode is now regarded as closed by those closest to the player.
