Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic will not be calling up any replacements following the withdrawal of Himad Abdelli and Kevin Guitoun from the national team’s June training camp due to medical reasons.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) confirmed the decision on Tuesday after both players were ruled out of the upcoming international friendlies.
When approached by La Gazette du Fennec for clarification, a FAF spokesperson stated plainly: “No new players have been called up; Vladimir Petkovic will rely on the 29 players already present.”
Abdelli and Guitoun were granted medical leave as a precautionary measure, with the FAF citing health concerns in an official statement earlier in the week.
Their absence, while unfortunate, will not alter the coach’s plans for the camp or the fixtures ahead.
Petkovic, who was appointed earlier this year, has chosen to maintain the integrity of the group already assembled.
With 29 players at his disposal, the Swiss-born tactician is confident in the depth and flexibility of his squad as Algeria prepares to face Rwanda on June 5 in Constantine and Sweden on June 10 in Stockholm.
The decision not to seek reinforcements is being interpreted as a show of faith in the current group.
It also reflects Petkovic’s focus on cohesion and building team chemistry, as Algeria continues its preparations ahead of the upcoming competitive fixtures later in the year.
By opting to stand pat, Petkovic appears keen to offer opportunities to players on the fringes of the squad.
The friendly against Rwanda, in particular, is expected to serve as a testing ground for those eager to earn a more permanent place in the national team setup.
With a mixture of youth and experience in camp, the two-match window will give the coaching staff a chance to evaluate options across multiple positions without disrupting the team’s internal dynamics.
For players hoping to impress in the national jersey, the absence of Abdelli and Guitoun presents a valuable opening.
Algeria will look to use these matches not only to build confidence but also to refine tactics under Petkovic’s evolving vision, with the long-term goal of restoring the team to its former continental and global competitiveness.
