AFCON 2015: Algeria’s Mehdi Abeid Remains Doubtful Due to Injury
Algerian midfielder Mehdi Abeid is facing a race against time to be fit for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, which begins on January 17 in Equatorial Guinea. The Newcastle United player has not trained with the first team for nearly six weeks after suffering a fractured toe during a Fennecs training session on November 15.
Despite initial expectations of a three to four-week recovery, Abeid’s return has been delayed. A brief comeback attempt on December 2 against Burnley saw him quickly relapse, forcing another spell on the sidelines. He only resumed running this Monday, but still hasn’t rejoined full training.
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew expressed concern over Abeid’s status:
“The timing of the Africa Cup of Nations is not ideal because he will probably play in it. I don’t think he will play for us again until that tournament.”
With no reserve matches on Newcastle’s schedule in the coming days and Premier League matches against Everton (Dec 28) and Burnley (Jan 1) looming, it appears increasingly unlikely that Abeid will regain match fitness in time to be considered in form for AFCON duty.
Algeria’s coaching staff now face a tough decision on whether to gamble on Abeid’s potential or call in a fully fit replacement.
