Amine Gouiri is expected to be absent for several crucial Olympique de Marseille matches during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following the release of the Ligue 1 schedule for the 2025–2026 season.
With the AFCON set to take place in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, Gouiri’s involvement with the Algerian national team will see him miss up to four games for OM, depending on how far Algeria progress in the tournament.
The 25-year-old striker, who has earned 15 caps and scored six goals for the Fennecs, will certainly be unavailable for the Coupe de France round of 32, scheduled for the weekend of 20–21 December.
Should Algeria advance beyond the group stage, he would also be absent for the Ligue 1 matchday 17 clash against Nantes on 4 January.
This will be Gouiri’s first appearance at an Africa Cup of Nations, having missed the previous edition through injury.
With Algeria suffering early exits in the last two tournaments, the forward is determined to help change the narrative this time around.
Speaking at the UNFP Trophies in May, Gouiri did not shy away from expressing his ambition.
“We are one of the best teams in Africa, we want to go to Morocco to win this African Cup,” he declared.
The implications for Marseille could grow deeper if Algeria enjoy a strong run in the competition.
💙⚪️ Le calendrier de notre OM pour la saison 2025-2026 est là !
📅 Rennes pour commencer …
Et dire qu’il faut encore attendre… L’OM me manque terriblement
Les week-ends sans eux sont tellement longs… #TeamOM #Ligue1McDonalds pic.twitter.com/mCx94cWeur
— Olympique de Marseille 9-13 Saison 2025-2026 : (@FandeLOM93100) June 28, 2025
Should the North African side reach the quarter-finals, Gouiri would also miss the Coupe de France round of 16 — assuming Marseille progress in the competition.
In the event Algeria reach the final, Gouiri would remain unavailable for the Ligue 1 matchday 18 fixture against RC Lens, a key contest in the race for European qualification.
The forward, who joined Marseille from Rennes, has become an integral part of the squad with his movement, technical ability, and goal threat.
His absence during the winter period could pose a significant challenge for the club as they navigate both domestic league and cup responsibilities.
With the countdown to AFCON underway and Algeria aiming to reclaim continental glory for the first time since their 2019 triumph, Marseille will be preparing to manage a critical stretch of the season without one of their most important attacking assets.
