Algerian midfielder Himad Abdelli marks triumphant return for Angers

Himad Abdelli made an immediate impact on his return to action for Angers SCO, scoring a crucial late penalty to secure a draw against FC Metz in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

The Algerian international had been sidelined for several months following surgery on a herniated disc in July, an injury that forced him to miss pre-season preparations and left his future at the club uncertain amid interest from Olympique de Marseille during the transfer window.

Having remained with Angers, the 25-year-old finally returned to competitive football on matchday four, and his comeback could hardly have been more decisive.

Introduced as a substitute in the 74th minute with his side trailing, Abdelli injected urgency and creativity into the midfield. His influence was felt just 12 minutes later when a foul on Harris Belkebla inside the box prompted the referee, after a VAR review, to award a penalty.

Abdelli stepped forward to take responsibility and calmly converted in the 90th minute, ensuring Angers claimed a valuable point in a 1-1 draw.

The goal marked a dream return for a player whose absence had left a noticeable void in Alexandre Dujeux’s side. His teammates greeted the equaliser with relief, while the Angers coach was quick to highlight the significance of Abdelli’s contribution after the match.

“Himad’s return did us good, with a lot of forward passes,” Dujeux said. “He’s a very important player for us. I’m very happy with his return.”

The midfielder’s availability provides a timely boost for Angers, who had endured a difficult start to the season with three winless games prior to the Metz clash. Abdelli’s presence in the middle of the pitch offers not only creativity but also composure, qualities the team had been missing in his absence.

His ability to dictate play, link up with forwards, and bring balance to midfield is expected to be central to Angers’ ambitions as the campaign unfolds.

Abdelli’s path back to fitness has been far from straightforward. His back injury, which required surgery, had raised concerns over whether he could rediscover his form

. The speculation surrounding a possible move to Marseille during the summer only added to the uncertainty. Yet, by staying at Angers and working his way back to match fitness, the midfielder has shown determination to re-establish himself as a key figure for the club.

For Abdelli, the late equaliser against Metz was more than just a goal; it was a statement of intent. His decisive penalty underlined both his technical precision and his readiness to shoulder responsibility in crucial moments.

More importantly, it signalled that he is prepared to take on a leading role as Angers look to improve their standing in the league.

As the season progresses, Abdelli’s return is likely to be pivotal. His creativity and vision provide Angers with an attacking edge that could transform their fortunes, while his leadership on the pitch brings stability to the squad.

For Dujeux and his players, the midfielder’s comeback is not only a relief but also a reason for renewed optimism.

Angers will now hope that Abdelli can maintain his fitness and build on his promising return, helping the club move beyond their difficult start and push towards a more successful campaign.

🎙️ – « La rentrée d’Himad (Abdelli) nous a fait du bien, je suis très content de son retour »

Alexandre Dujeux a souligné l’impact du retour d’Himad Abdelli avec Angers SCO au micro de Ligue 1+ après le nul à Metz hier soir (1-1). ⚫️⚪️#FCMSCO pic.twitter.com/KUhNHB7mxJ

— Incroyable SCO (@IncroyableSCO) September 15, 2025