Hicham Boudaoui will not be part of OGC Nice’s squad for their Ligue 1 trip to Toulouse as the club continues to manage his return following the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria.
The Algerian midfielder has not immediately rejoined his club after international duty, with Nice opting to grant him additional time away from competitive action.
The decision was taken in agreement with the player, allowing him to recover both physically and mentally after a demanding continental tournament that placed significant strain on players involved until the latter stages.
As Nice prepare for Saturday evening’s Matchday 18 fixture against Toulouse, Boudaoui has been left out of the group selected by head coach Claude Puel.
The club has confirmed that the 25-year-old remains on a short period of leave and is expected to resume training next week.
The intention is to ensure he returns in optimal condition ahead of a congested run of domestic fixtures following the Toulouse encounter.
Boudaoui’s absence comes at a time when Nice are seeking stability in midfield, but the club has prioritised long-term fitness over short-term availability.
The medical and technical staff believe that a controlled reintegration will better serve both the player and the team as the season enters a decisive phase.
The midfielder, who hails from Béchar, is approaching a potentially pivotal moment in his professional career.
His first half of the season with Nice has been mixed, characterised by fluctuating form and a prolonged spell without notable impact.
Despite those challenges, his qualities have not gone unnoticed, and his profile continues to attract interest beyond Ligue 1.
Several clubs in England and Turkey are understood to be monitoring Boudaoui’s situation closely.
His ability to operate across midfield roles, combined with his international experience, has kept him on the radar as teams assess potential reinforcements during the winter transfer window.
🔜 𝐋𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐞, pour Toulouse #tfcogcn pic.twitter.com/ohehYcYng6
— OGC Nice (@ogcnice) January 16, 2026
While no formal move has been confirmed, speculation surrounding his future has intensified in recent weeks.
For Nice, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether Boudaoui remains a central part of their project or whether a change of environment becomes the preferred option.
The club must weigh the benefits of continuity against the possibility of reshaping the squad, particularly as performances and results take on greater importance in the second half of the campaign.
At this stage, all scenarios remain open. Boudaoui could extend his stay on the French Riviera and seek to re-establish himself as a key figure in the team, or he could depart either before the current window closes or at the end of the season.
Much will depend on his physical response upon returning to training and the role envisioned for him by the coaching staff.
For now, the focus remains on recovery and preparation.
Nice are keen to reintegrate Boudaoui carefully, aware that his next steps—both on and off the pitch—could shape the trajectory of his career in the months ahead.
