Injury concerns cast shadow over Algeria’s Arab Cup preparations

Algeria’s A’ national team enters the 2025 Arab Cup under a cloud of uncertainty as injuries and fitness concerns overshadow the final stretch of its preparations.

Coach Madjid Bougherra had hoped to rely on an established structure heading into the tournament, but a series of physical setbacks are forcing last-minute adjustments.

The most troubling case involves Yacine Brahimi, whose name appears on the official squad list issued by the Algerian Football Federation despite his current absence from the pitch.

The forward is recovering from a thigh ligament injury sustained with Al-Gharafa and is expected to be sidelined for around two weeks — a timeline incompatible with the start of the competition.

His availability for the opening match appears doubtful, and there is no certainty he will feature at all during the early stages, or even throughout the tournament.

At 35, Brahimi remains a vital leader in the squad, and his potential absence removes a key source of technical expertise and composure that the team can ill afford to lose.

Defensive stability is also in question following the withdrawal of Ayoub Ghezala, who suffered a thigh injury minutes into the match in Kigali.

His replacement, Mohamed-Amine Tougaï, arrives with concerns of his own.

The ES Tunis defender has not played since 5 October.

Weeks without collective training have left him far from optimal condition, making his call-up feel more like an emergency measure than a seamless substitution.

The instability around the defensive line does not end there.

Abdelkader Bedrane, injured during the previous training camp in Egypt, has not played since 25 October.

His prolonged absence raises questions about whether he can immediately perform at the high level demanded by an international tournament.

Meanwhile, forward Zakaria Benchaâ remains under medical supervision after picking up an injury in the aftermath of the Canaries’ match against Al-Ahly.

His recovery is still incomplete, leaving his readiness uncertain.

Concerns extend to the left side of the defense as well.

Naoufel Khacef recently returned from injury with CR Belouizdad but did not feature in the club’s latest Confederation Cup fixture against Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars.

His physical condition remains unclear, and any lingering discomfort risks limiting the explosiveness and direct style that characterises his game.

With injuries, incomplete recoveries and players lacking match rhythm, Algeria’s balance and cohesion appear compromised at a moment when the team should be approaching the competition with clarity and confidence.

One week before kickoff, the coaching staff faces a delicate situation — a roster assembled under constraint rather than conviction, and a tournament ahead that offers no room for missteps.