Mehdi Abeid and Essaid Belkalem face fitness doubts ahead of the 2015 African Cup of Nations. Abeid is dealing with a toe injury, while Belkalem is suffering from a thigh injury. Despite their conditions, coach Christian Gourcuff has included both players in his squad.
On Friday, shortly after the New Year, the Newcastle midfielder and Trabzonspor defender will undergo medical examinations in Algiers by the Fennecs’ medical team. This assessment will determine their availability for the tournament starting in less than three weeks.
If either player is deemed unfit to participate, Gourcuff will call upon replacements from his reserve list to maintain the squad’s strength.
