Rafik Belghali return offers timely boost for Algeria national team

Defender Rafik Belghali is nearing a return to competitive football after recovering from a recurring ankle injury, offering encouraging news for both Hellas Verona F.C. and the Algeria national football team.

The right-back has been sidelined for several weeks after suffering a relapse of the ankle problem that had already forced him to miss a month earlier in the season.

However, after several days of intensive training, the Algerian international now appears close to regaining full fitness and preparing to return to action.

Belghali had been expected to make his comeback during Verona’s recent away match against Bologna F.C.. Although he was included in the squad for the fixture, head coach Paolo Sammarco ultimately chose not to use him during the game.

Verona still secured a victory in that match, collecting their first win since 14 December despite Belghali remaining on the bench throughout the encounter.

Attention has now shifted to Verona’s upcoming fixture against Genoa C.F.C. on Sunday. Local reports suggest the defender could make his long-awaited return in that match, with some speculation even pointing to the possibility of a starting role.

Sammarco has expressed optimism about the player’s recovery while also stressing the need to manage his return carefully.

“Belghali has improved physically. He’s had a week of training. He’s a unique player at Verona: such speed and technique, he’s the only one with them. We’ll now assess the best option for him.”

The timing of Belghali’s recovery could prove significant beyond club football. His return comes just days before Vladimir Petkovic is expected to name his squad for the March international break.

For Algeria, the defender’s improving fitness offers a welcome option in a position that has recently been affected by several absences.

As Belghali works his way back toward match readiness, both his club and national team will be monitoring his progress closely.

If he does feature in Verona’s upcoming match, it would mark the first step in his return after a challenging spell on the sidelines and could strengthen his chances of being included in Algeria’s plans for the upcoming international fixtures.