Injury blow for Algeria as Bensebaïni’s absence extended

Algerian defender Ramy Bensebaïni is set for a longer spell on the sidelines than initially expected, raising concerns for both his club season and his international prospects ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Borussia Dortmund had first described the issue as a minor foot injury, but updated medical assessments now suggest a more serious problem.

The revised diagnosis is expected to significantly extend the player’s recovery timeline, casting doubt over his availability for the closing stages of the Bundesliga campaign.

Bensebaïni has already been ruled out of last weekend’s fixture against Borussia Mönchengladbach, and reports indicate he is likely to miss Dortmund’s remaining two league matches.

This includes the upcoming trip to Eintracht Frankfurt, where he had been due to face fellow Algerian international Farès Chaïbi in a match carrying important implications for Frankfurt’s European ambitions.

The defender is also expected to be absent for the final game of the season against Werder Bremen on May 16, further limiting his opportunities to return before the campaign concludes.

The situation has prompted growing concern within the Algerian national team setup, led by head coach Vladimir Petkovic. With preparations for upcoming international commitments already underway, uncertainty surrounding Bensebaïni’s condition is becoming increasingly significant.

His absence adds to existing worries within the squad, particularly following the case of Luca Zidane, who recently underwent chin surgery.

Together, these developments have placed added pressure on the technical staff as they monitor the fitness of key players ahead of the next training camp.

Bensebaïni’s condition is now being closely assessed not only in terms of recovery time, but also in relation to his readiness for Algeria’s scheduled training camp beginning on May 25.

The prospect of missing that gathering would represent a further setback, especially as the team begins to shape its preparations for future international competitions.

With uncertainty surrounding his return, attention will remain fixed on how the defender progresses in the coming weeks and whether he can regain full fitness in time to rejoin both club and country.