Mohamed Amine Tougaï recall sparks debate as Algeria finalise Arab Cup squad

Mohamed Amine Tougaï’s late inclusion in Algeria’s squad for the 2025 Arab Cup has fuelled debate, with coach Madjid Bougherra facing scrutiny for selecting a player who has not featured competitively in nearly two months.

Tougaï has been drafted in to replace the injured Ayoub Ghaza, despite having been sidelined since suffering an injury on 5 October during Espérance de Tunis’ match against Étoile du Sahel.

The defender has yet to resume full training with his club and remains short of match readiness, raising doubts about his ability to immediately contribute at international level.

Espérance confirmed the player’s call-up after discussions between their medical team and that of the Algerian national side, with the club stating that Tougaï would link up with the Fennecs as planned.

The announcement has nonetheless surprised many observers, given the defender’s ongoing recovery and the fact that he has only been involved in individual training sessions in recent weeks.

The decision comes at a time when several Algerian defenders are enjoying strong form with their clubs, playing regularly and performing at a high level.

Those omissions have added to the criticism, with some questioning whether Bougherra could have opted for an alternative who is fully fit and sharp.

The choice to rely on Tougaï has reignited a long-standing discussion about Bougherra’s selection preferences.

Critics argue that favouring a player lacking competitive rhythm could be a risk ahead of a demanding tournament, while others believe the coach’s trust in Tougaï reflects his long-term vision and familiarity with the defender’s capabilities.

The situation leaves one central question hanging over the squad announcement: would Algeria have been better served by selecting a defender in peak condition rather than recalling a player still working his way back to full fitness?

As preparations for the Arab Cup intensify, Bougherra’s decision is set to remain a talking point, with fans and analysts alike waiting to see whether his faith in Tougaï will be rewarded on the pitch.