AFCON 2025: Amine Gouiri rules himself out as Marseille target his January return

Amine Gouiri confirms he will miss the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as he works toward a full recovery from a shoulder injury that has kept him out for nearly two months.

The Olympique de Marseille striker continues to push through an intensive rehabilitation programme after injuring his shoulder in October during Algeria’s match against Uganda.

He now moves closer to returning, and his medical team express confidence as he responds well to treatment and increases his workload.

Gouiri feels stronger each week and sees the benefits of consistent conditioning work carried out since the start of his convalescence.

Marseille welcome the progress with relief. The club wants Gouiri available for the French Super Cup in January 2026, where OM face Paris Saint-Germain in Kuwait.

Coaches expect him to begin a demanding physical phase in the coming days before doctors decide when he can rejoin full-team training.

The technical staff view his comeback as a priority because they rely on his intelligence, movement and link-up play in Roberto De Zerbi’s attacking system.

The situation, however, disappoints the Algerian national team. Gouiri already missed several recent training camps, and he confirms he cannot take part in the AFCON tournament in Morocco.

Algeria plan to welcome him back during the March 2026 international window if he completes his recovery without setbacks.

Before the injury, Gouiri played seven matches for Marseille and contributed to two goals.

The statistics do not fully capture his influence, and De Zerbi repeatedly stressed how the forward brings balance and creativity to the team’s offensive approach.

As Gouiri edges closer to competition, Marseille anticipate the return of a key attacking figure.

Algeria, meanwhile, prepare for AFCON 2025 without one of their most versatile and technically gifted players and must wait a few more months before calling on him again.