Serious setback for Algerian international Himad Abdelli as coach takes firm action

Himad Abdelli has been left out of Olympique de Marseille’s squad for their trip to Nantes, in a decision that underlines growing tensions within the club.

The omission of the Algerian international comes amid reports of internal disagreements, despite head coach Habib Beye attempting to calm speculation surrounding the atmosphere in the dressing room during a recent press conference.

While the manager publicly struck a measured tone, his decision to exclude Abdelli appears to point to deeper issues behind the scenes.

The move follows Marseille’s disappointing draw against Nice, a result that added to mounting pressure around the team.

In the days after that match, reports emerged suggesting a confrontation between the player and his coach.

According to RMC Sport, Abdelli and Beye were involved in a clash in the dressing room after the final whistle.

The incident is said to have prompted disciplinary action from the Senegalese coach, who subsequently decided to leave the midfielder out of the squad for the upcoming fixture.

Beye is reported to have taken issue with Abdelli’s behaviour, as well as his performances on the pitch.

The player is also said to have been criticised for a perceived lack of commitment during the limited opportunities he has been given since joining the club.

The decision represents a significant development for Abdelli, whose situation at Marseille has quickly become uncertain.

Having arrived only three months ago, the attacking midfielder now finds himself on the fringes of the squad at a crucial stage of the season.

Abdelli had pushed for a move away from Angers during the winter transfer window, with Marseille representing what he viewed as a long-held ambition.

The transfer was seen as a major step in his career, offering the chance to establish himself at one of France’s most prominent clubs.

However, the early months of his time at Marseille have not unfolded as expected.

Limited playing time has restricted his ability to make an impact, while the reported tensions have further complicated his position within the team.

The current situation raises questions about his immediate future at the club.

With competition for places already strong, being left out of the squad could make it more difficult for Abdelli to regain a regular role in the coming weeks.

Beyond club football, the development may also carry implications at international level.

Abdelli is part of the Algerian national team setup, and his form and playing time at club level could influence his standing ahead of upcoming fixtures.

Preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are expected to begin in the near future, placing additional importance on consistent performances.

Any prolonged absence from Marseille’s matchday squads could therefore have a knock-on effect on his international prospects.

For Marseille, the episode highlights the challenges of maintaining unity within a competitive squad.

🚨ℹ️ Himad Abdelli ne fera pas le déplacement à Nantes.

L’international algérien, actuellement en difficulté à l’OM, ne figure pas dans le groupe pour cette rencontre.

Il a quitté la Commanderie en voiture, et non avec le reste de l’équipe.#TeamOM #FCNOM pic.twitter.com/SIP1jRZHvc

— La Minute OM (@LaMinuteOM_) May 1, 2026

While Beye has sought to project stability publicly, the handling of Abdelli suggests that standards within the group are being enforced firmly.

The coming weeks may prove decisive for both player and club.

Abdelli will be looking for a route back into contention, while Marseille must balance internal discipline with the need to maintain results on the pitch.

For now, his absence from the squad travelling to Nantes stands as the clearest indication yet of the difficulties he faces, as tensions at Olympique de Marseille continue to unfold.