Tunisia suffer major setback as Aïssa Laïdouni ruled out of AFCON

Tunisia have been dealt a major setback ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with midfielder Aïssa Laïdouni ruled out of the tournament through injury.

The influential midfielder, who has made 59 appearances and scored twice for the Carthage Eagles, will also miss the Arab Club Champions Cup after being declared unfit for national team duty.

His injury deprives Tunisia of one of their most dependable performers in recent years, a player known for his consistency and leadership in the heart of midfield.

Laïdouni’s absence extends beyond the tournament itself.

The 27-year-old will be sidelined for Tunisia’s upcoming friendly fixtures against Mauritania, Jordan, and Brazil — key warm-up matches designed to refine tactical cohesion and test new strategies ahead of the continental competition.

Without their midfield anchor, Tunisia will need to reconfigure their setup as they prepare to navigate a challenging Group C at the Africa Cup of Nations, where they are set to face Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Laïdouni’s injury leaves a significant void in the team’s balance, both in terms of defensive cover and transition play.

His reliability and experience have been central to Tunisia’s recent campaigns, and his absence will inevitably place greater responsibility on younger players seeking to step into his role.

The timing of the setback could hardly be worse, as the team continues to fine-tune its preparations for a demanding group stage featuring opponents with contrasting playing styles.

Despite the disappointment, Tunisia’s coaching staff are expected to focus on maintaining squad cohesion and tactical discipline as they look to compensate for Laïdouni’s absence.

The midfielder’s recovery timeline has not yet been disclosed, but it is confirmed that he will play no part in the nation’s AFCON journey.

Laïdouni’s unavailability marks one of the most significant challenges for Tunisia ahead of the continental showcase, leaving the Carthage Eagles to face the tournament without one of their most trusted and experienced figures in midfield.