The Algerian federation published a press release this Friday to announce Houssem Aouar’s package for CAN 2025, which begins on Sunday. The ex-Lyonnais felt “muscle pain” and the medical examinations carried out on Thursday evening led the management to confirm his withdrawal.
Himad Abdelli, attacking midfielder from Angers, was called in as reinforcement to numerically complete the Fennecs list. Not selected by Vladimir Petkovic during the announcement of Algeria’s inaugural list, number 10 did not seek to argue. “No matter the choices, the national team remains above everything. Everyone behind the team. Strength and Honor,” he wrote on X in reaction to his absence from the Algerian group. Many Fennecs supporters had also pointed out the coach’s choice not to call him up.
5th player in L1
The 26-year-old from Angevin will bring an additional touch of creativity and technique to a group that is particularly well equipped in its sector of play.
The former Le Havre player joins several Ligue 1 players already in the group. Ilan Kebbal, Samir Chergui (Paris FC), Aïssa Mandi (LOSC Lille) and Hicham Boudaoui (OGC Nice) were already on the list concocted by Petkovic for the African Cup of Nations in Morocco. Five players from the French Championship are on the trip.
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