Jaouen Hadjam nears return after ankle injury setback

Jaouen Hadjam is edging closer to a return to action after several months out with an ankle injury, offering encouragement for both club and country ahead of a busy international period.

The left-back, who plays for BSC Young Boys, has been sidelined since suffering the injury during an Africa Cup of Nations match against Burkina Faso national football team.

Having started the game, Hadjam was forced off after just 15 minutes following the incident.

The injury ruled him out of the remainder of the tournament, which ultimately ended in the quarter-finals for Algeria national football team.

He subsequently returned to Switzerland to begin treatment, where further medical assessments revealed the problem was more serious than initially expected.

In January, his club confirmed that surgery would be required, with an estimated recovery period of around three months. The setback came at a difficult time for the defender, who had been enjoying a strong start to the 2025–2026 season.

Since undergoing the procedure, Hadjam has missed 12 matches for his club and was also absent from Algeria’s training camp in March, which served as an early stage of preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

Recent developments, however, suggest his recovery is progressing well. The defender shared an update on social media, posting footage of himself training individually at the Wankdorf Stadium. Accompanying the post was the message: “Step by step . “

The update has been interpreted as a positive sign that Hadjam is nearing a return to full training. While no official date has been set for his comeback, the gradual resumption of individual sessions indicates that he may soon rejoin the squad.

A return before the end of the season could provide an opportunity for the player to regain match fitness and consistency.

It would also come at a significant moment for Algeria, as preparations intensify ahead of upcoming international commitments.

Hadjam’s absence has been felt both at club level and within the national team setup. His return is therefore likely to be closely monitored as he works towards full fitness.

For now, the focus remains on recovery, with the player taking measured steps towards a comeback that could prove timely for both his club and the national side.