Major setback for Algeria on the eve of AFCON

Algeria: A huge blow before AFCON

Major setback for Algeria on the eve of AFCON

Samir Chergui is facing a tough period as AFCON 2025 approaches. Forced off early during LOSC's win over Paris FC, the Algerian defender felt pain at the back of his thigh, which has now been diagnosed as a hamstring injury. It's a heavy blow for the 26-year-old, especially as this setback comes just as he had been stringing together strong performances with the national team.

Since his first call-up in September, Chergui has been steadily impressing Vladimir Petkovic. Starting in the victories over Zimbabwe (3–1) and then against Saudi Arabia (2–0), he quickly brought solidity and composure to an Algerian backline in transition. His reading of the game and reliability were already making him a leading candidate to play a major role at the heart of the defense.

The question now is whether the Paris FC player can recover in time for the start of the tournament. Algeria opens their campaign on December 24 against Sudan, before taking on Burkina Faso and then Equatorial Guinea. The race against the clock is on for Chergui, whose presence could prove crucial to the Greens' ambitions.