Algeria winger Hadj Moussa fit before Petković names World Cup squad

Algerian winger Anis Hadj Moussa remains fully fit and involved with the national team despite social media claims suggesting he had suffered an injury that could force him to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The rumours emerged less than 48 hours before Algeria coach Vladimir Petković is due to announce his final squad for the tournament, causing concern among supporters of the Desert Foxes.

Several social media accounts claimed that Hadj Moussa had sustained an injury during Algeria’s training camp and could be withdrawn from the World Cup. \To support the claim, some pages circulated what appeared to be an official statement from the Algerian Football Federation.

The reports quickly gained traction online, prompting widespread discussion among fans awaiting confirmation of the national team’s squad.

However, checks on the information showed the claims to be unfounded. According to reports, the statement being shared was not related to the current training camp but was instead an older communication issued by the Algerian Football Federation in March.

At that time, Hadj Moussa had indeed withdrawn from the national team due to injury. The document was reportedly taken out of context and redistributed online, creating the false impression that the winger was currently unavailable.

The 24-year-old is not dealing with any physical issue and continues to train normally with the Algerian squad.

Recent images from the team’s training camp in Sidi Moussa appeared to settle the matter. The footage showed the former Patro Eisden player participating fully in group training sessions without any visible signs of discomfort.

The update will come as welcome news for Petković, who is expected to rely on the winger during the World Cup campaign. Hadj Moussa has enjoyed an impressive season with Feyenoord and has emerged as one of the most exciting attacking options available to Algeria.

Many supporters view the former Lens academy product as a long-term successor to Algerian captain Riyad Mahrez on the right side of the national team’s attack.

For the upcoming tournament, Hadj Moussa is expected to provide strong competition within the squad while continuing his development at international level.

Algeria’s preparations are now entering their final phase ahead of the World Cup. The squad is nearly complete, with only Hicham Boudaoui, who is recovering from a minor injury suffered during Nice’s play-off first leg against Saint-Étienne, still expected to join the group in Sidi Moussa before the official squad announcement.