Ahmed Touba is expected to miss Algeria’s June training camp after suffering a muscle tear while playing for KV Mechelen, casting doubt over his availability for the national team’s upcoming fixtures.
The central defender’s injury, diagnosed as a torn thigh muscle, arrives at a critical moment for head coach Vladimir Petković, who is preparing the Fennecs for two crucial matches—against Rwanda in a World Cup qualifier and Sweden in a friendly.
The setback threatens to further disrupt an already unsettled backline that has struggled with consistency since Petković took charge.
Touba, a mainstay in Algeria’s defensive unit, has been a reliable figure in recent international campaigns.
His physical presence and tactical awareness have made him a cornerstone of the team’s defensive structure.
Losing him just weeks ahead of the June regrouping presents a significant challenge for Petković, who is keen to solidify his squad ahead of the next phase of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
With the former Netherlands youth international likely sidelined through the international window, attention now turns to who might step up in his absence.
Petković’s tenure has already been marked by frequent changes in defence due to injuries and fluctuations in form, and Touba’s unavailability only adds to the coach’s growing concerns.
The friendly against Sweden was intended as a key test of Algeria’s readiness for competitive matches, offering an opportunity to experiment with combinations and reinforce tactical cohesion.
Now, with one of his key defensive pillars potentially unavailable, the Swiss manager may be forced to adjust his plans and consider alternatives sooner than anticipated.
While Touba’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, the medical outlook suggests he may not regain full match fitness in time to rejoin the squad by early June.
KV Mechelen are monitoring his rehabilitation closely, though no definitive return date has been set.
As Algeria gears up for a pivotal summer, Petković’s preparations are again complicated by misfortune at the back.
The coach will now need to navigate these tests without one of his most trusted defenders—an untimely blow as the Fennecs seek to regain their competitive edge on the international stage.
