OGC Nice have decided to give Algerian midfielder Hicham Boudaoui additional rest following his return from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, delaying his immediate reintegration into first-team action.
After completing international duty with Algeria, Boudaoui held discussions with the club’s technical and medical staff.
Together, they agreed on a short recovery period to allow the midfielder to regain freshness after a demanding tournament that tested him both physically and mentally.
Nice management prioritised long-term balance over an immediate return to competition.
As a result, Boudaoui will not feature in Nice’s Ligue 1 fixture away to Toulouse on Saturday evening, a match scheduled as part of Matchday 18.
Head coach Claude Puel left the midfielder out of the travelling squad, choosing caution rather than risk.
Boudaoui continues an individual recovery programme and will only resume full training next week, with a view to returning for fixtures following the Toulouse trip.
The decision reflects the intensity of the AFCON, a competition known for its high tempo, physical duels and emotional pressure.
Nice believe the pause will help Boudaoui return in stronger condition as the season enters a decisive phase.
Beyond this short-term absence, Boudaoui now stands at a pivotal moment in his career.
His first half of the season with Nice delivered mixed outcomes, shaped by fluctuating form and a collective struggle for consistency within the squad.
Despite those challenges, the club still regard him as a player capable of influencing games through energy, ball recovery and tactical discipline.
His situation also attracts attention beyond the Riviera. Several reports suggest that clubs outside France continue to monitor his progress closely.
Teams in England and Turkey have reportedly added the Algerian international to their list of potential targets, viewing his profile as suitable for different tactical systems and competitive environments.
For now, Nice focus on managing his workload carefully and reintegrating him at the right moment. Boudaoui, meanwhile, prepares to use the rest period as an opportunity to reset and refocus.
The coming weeks could prove decisive, not only for his role at Nice but also for the direction of his career as the transfer window approaches its closing stages.
