Algeria handed AFCON setback as star midfielder Houssem Aouar ‌withdraws from squad

Houssem Aouar in action in the Saudi Pro League
Houssem Aouar in action in the Saudi Pro LeagueReuters / Stringer

Algeria have been dealt ‍a blow to their Africa Cup of Nations ​hopes with the withdrawal of key midfielder Houssem Aouar ‌on Friday.

He was injured ‌in training on Thursday, an Algerian football federation statement said, and will be replaced ⁠for the tournament in Morocco ‌by Himad Abdelli from French ​club Angers. No details of the injury ‍were given.

Aouar, who won a cap for France before ‍switching his ‌international allegiance to Algeria, played at the last Cup of Nations in the ⁠Ivory Coast two years ago where Algeria were shock early casualties.

In Morocco, Algeria compete in Group E, starting against Sudan in Rabat on Wednesday before playing Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea.

Algeria vs Sudan recent head-to-head record
Algeria vs Sudan recent head-to-head recordFlashscore

Abdelli was a surprise ⁠omission from Algeria’s initial ‌28-man squad list announced last week. The 26-year-old is French-born but has won four caps for ⁠Algeria.

21+ | COMPETENT REGULATOR EEEP | RISK OF ADDICTION & LOSS OF PROPERTY | KETHEA HELPLINE: 210 9237777 | PLAY RESPONSIBLY & SAFELY |

Do you want to withdraw your consent to display betting ads?
Yes, change settings