Ryad Boudebouz has expressed deep disappointment after being officially ruled out of Algeria’s double-header against Malawi in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, due to a hamstring injury.
🔹 What Happened:
The Bastia forward had initially joined up with the Algerian national team camp, only to undergo medical tests that confirmed the extent of his injury. Following these assessments, he was released by the team’s medical staff to return to his club for treatment.
“It’s a hamstring injury. I felt pain, and it’s preventing me from training or playing,” Boudebouz told Le Buteur.
“I’m furious. I can’t describe how disappointed I am. I really wanted to prove myself to the coach and the team.”
🔹 A Setback at the Wrong Time:
Boudebouz emphasized how much he had been looking forward to contributing to the national team’s campaign, having recently regained confidence and form within the squad.
“This came at the worst possible moment. I had just found my rhythm with the national team.”
🔹 Confidence in the Team:
Despite his absence, Boudebouz remains optimistic about Algeria’s chances:
“Our squad is rich in talent. Inshallah, the guys will do the job well in Malawi and finish strong in Blida, so we can secure qualification for CAN 2015 in Morocco.”
🟢 Algeria’s Outlook:
With Boudebouz out, coach Christian Gourcuff will need to adjust his attacking options, but Algeria’s depth—especially with talents like Yacine Brahimi, Sofiane Feghouli, and Islam Slimani—keeps them as strong favorites to qualify.
This injury highlights the unpredictable nature of international football, where last-minute withdrawals can disrupt carefully laid plans—but also test the depth and resilience of top-tier squads like the Fennecs.
