Several Algerian players are set to showcase their talents in Europe this week as they compete in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, with matches offering valuable exposure on one of football’s grandest stages. The Algerian contingent, however, has faced a few challenges, as injuries threaten to impact representation in this round of fixtures.
Defender Ramy Bensebaïni kicked off the week with Borussia Dortmund’s clash against Austrian side Sturm Graz, marking the start of a busy period for Algerians in European competition.
Feyenoord’s Algerian internationals, Ramiz Zerrouki and Anis Hadj Moussa, will also join the action as they prepare to host RB Salzburg in Rotterdam.
The Algerian squad would ideally have had three players representing the nation in Champions League action this evening.
However, Young Boys defender Jaouen Hadjam will miss out, as he remains sidelined due to a calf injury.
His absence has been confirmed by his Swiss club, which announced in a recent statement that Hadjam “will be without action for the next three weeks,” following a muscle tear in his calf.
The setback has left Young Boys’ interim coach Joël Magnin with limited defensive options as he navigates a difficult fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Hadjam’s Absence Felt in Young Boys’ Defense
Hadjam’s injury leaves a significant gap in Young Boys’ lineup, as the Algerian has been a reliable presence for the Swiss side, starting in each of their three previous group-stage matches.
His defensive contributions were particularly valuable in what has been a challenging campaign, with Young Boys suffering defeats to Aston Villa, Barcelona, and Inter Milan.
Young Boys now face Shakhtar Donetsk in Bern without several key players, including Abdu Conté, Saidy Janko, and Mohamed Ali Camara. Magnin faces a daunting task in restructuring his squad to cope with the high-stakes encounter, especially in light of Hadjam’s absence.
Feyenoord’s Zerrouki Set to Start, Hadj Moussa’s Role Uncertain
For Feyenoord, midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki is anticipated to play a pivotal role against Salzburg.
The Ajax-trained midfielder returned to Feyenoord’s starting lineup on Saturday in the Eredivisie, delivering a solid performance in a 3-2 victory over AZ Alkmaar.
Zerrouki’s presence will be key in bolstering Feyenoord’s midfield as they face one of Austria’s top clubs.
Anis Hadj Moussa, meanwhile, remains a more uncertain fixture in the Feyenoord lineup. Coach Brian Priske has largely kept Hadj Moussa on the bench, and his involvement tonight will depend on tactical decisions made closer to kick-off.
Europa League Sees Strong Algerian Representation
As Champions League fixtures unfold, Algerian players are also set to appear in the Europa League on Thursday. Farès Chaïbi, playing for Eintracht Frankfurt, is expected to face Slavia Prague.
The former Toulouse player has had limited Bundesliga appearances recently, making the European stage a vital opportunity to secure playing time and regain rhythm before the international break.
Yassine Benzia, who plays for Azerbaijani side Qarabağ, will also be in action as his team takes on Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt.
After three consecutive Europa League defeats against Tottenham, Malmö, and Ajax, Benzia’s squad is searching for their first points in the group.
Qarabağ coach Gurban Gurbanov remains optimistic, hinting that his side has closely studied their opponents and is prepared to capitalize on any vulnerabilities.
Benzia, fresh off a recent goal against Shamakhi, is expected to play a leading role for Qarabağ, aiming to make a strong impression before rejoining the Algerian national team for international duties.
Additional Matches for Algerian Stars in Europe
The Europa League fixture list offers a few more appearances for Algeria’s international players.
Hichem Boudaoui and Badreddine Bouanani, both from OGC Nice, are scheduled to meet Dutch side Twente, while Saïd Benrahma of Olympique Lyonnais will travel to Germany to challenge Hoffenheim.
Each of these matches presents Algerian players with opportunities to contribute significantly to their respective clubs and build momentum as they prepare for upcoming international commitments.
In what is shaping up to be an intense week for Algerian internationals, the UEFA competitions serve as a crucial platform for them to shine on the European stage, despite the setbacks some face due to injuries.
