Houssam Aouar withdrew from Algeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco due to a sudden groin injury, a decision described by his club as precautionary to safeguard the midfielder ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The Al-Ittihad FC player had joined the national team at the Sidi-Moussa Technical Center and trained normally before the tournament, but pulled out the day before Algeria’s departure to Rabat.
Official communications from the Algerian Football Federation were limited, leaving room for speculation over the nature of Aouar’s absence.
According to club sources and statements from Al-Ittihad coach Sérgio Conceição, the decision was taken jointly by the club and national team medical staff.
“He was spared, and this decision was a coordinated effort between our doctors and the national team’s medical team,” Conceição said, emphasizing that Aouar’s withdrawal was not disciplinary.
Some media speculation had suggested that disagreements with coach Vladimir Petkovic may have influenced Aouar’s decision, particularly after the withdrawal of other key players such as Amine Gouiri and Youcef Belaïli.
However, insiders indicate that the move was intended to ensure the player’s fitness rather than avoid internal conflict.
Aouar’s absence opened the door for last-minute call-ups, including Himed Abdelli, who impressed fans and analysts during the competition.
Despite the setback, Aouar’s priority remains regaining full fitness in time to compete for a place in Algeria’s squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The situation reflects a broader context in which Algeria is also reviewing the international futures of other players, including Youcef Atal and Baghdad Bounedjah, with performance and disciplinary considerations reportedly influencing squad planning ahead of the World Cup cycle.
For now, Aouar is focused on returning to peak form with Al-Ittihad, aiming to finish the domestic season strongly and secure his position for upcoming international competitions.
