Algeria’s coach, Vahid Halilhodzic, finds himself facing concerns and challenges with the national team’s lineup. Several key players, including Chadli Amri, Hassan Yebda, Madjid Bougherra, Cadamuro, and Ghezzal, are unavailable due to injuries, impacting the team’s composition for upcoming matches.
Adding to the coach’s worries is the absence of Ishak Belfodil, who, despite Algeria securing his qualification from FIFA, will not be able to make his first appearance with the national team. The Parma striker, a former French hopeful, had expressed his unpreparedness for the selection two weeks prior, citing issues with his club that hindered his availability. This injury, coming at a crucial time, further complicates the team-building process.
During a recent match, Belfodil, starting at kick-off, had to leave the game in the 35th minute after sustaining a knee injury. This setback leaves the coach grappling with the task of assembling a cohesive team for the upcoming match against Libya, scheduled in less than three weeks. The challenges posed by injuries and player unavailability add an additional layer of complexity to Algeria’s preparations for upcoming competitions.