Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic is facing mounting injury concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with Houssem Aouar emerging as the latest doubt for the upcoming fixtures.
The Fennecs, who lead their qualifying group on equal points with Mozambique, are set to host Mozambique on March 24 at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou, following an away clash against Botswana on March 17.
However, preparations have been marred by injury setbacks, with central defender Mohamed Amine Tougai already ruled out due to injury.
Al-Ittihad confirmed on Wednesday that Aouar suffered a muscle contusion in his left calf, forcing him to miss the recent 1-1 draw against Al-Khaleej.
The Saudi Pro League side did not specify the duration of his absence, stating that his return will depend on the progress of his rehabilitation.
Aouar has enjoyed a standout season with nine goals and four assists in 21 appearances. The 26-year-old midfielder has become a key figure for Algeria, scoring three goals in his last four international appearances.
However, he had previously missed Algeria’s matches against Equatorial Guinea and Liberia in November due to injury.
With crucial qualifiers on the horizon, Aouar now faces a race against time to regain fitness and bolster Algeria’s hopes of securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
الفحوصات الطبية للاعب حسام عوار 🩺 pic.twitter.com/1BNW84VQp9
— نادي الاتحاد السعودي (@ittihad) February 25, 2025
