Taken away by ambulance: Algeria holds its breath for a key starter! | OneFootball

Algeria: Fears grow as a key starter for the Greens is injured

Taken away by ambulance: Algeria holds its breath for a key starter!

With AFCON 2025 fast approaching, the Algerian national team is holding its breath. The convincing 3–1 win over Zimbabwe on Thursday in Jeddah was overshadowed by a worrying sight for the entire country: Jaouen Hadjam being taken away by ambulance. The 22-year-old left-back, who had been flawless and even scored a stunning half-volley under the bar, was forced to leave his teammates in the 68th minute, replaced by Adem Zorgane after feeling a sudden pain.

A major scare just weeks before AFCON

The incident immediately set social media ablaze, reigniting fears of a possible withdrawal with just over five weeks to go before the continental tournament kicks off, from December 21 to January 18. In a post-match press conference, Vladimir Petkovic tried to calm nerves:

The Young Boys defender could miss the upcoming friendly against Saudi Arabia on November 18, and his availability for AFCON remains uncertain.

For the Greens, this scare comes at the worst possible moment. The list of injured players is dangerously growing: Ramy Bensebaïni is struggling with back pain, Farès Chaïbi has an ankle issue, Mohamed Amine Tougaï is still in treatment, and Amine Gouiri’s presence in Morocco is still not guaranteed. It’s turning into a real injury crisis for a squad that was counting on stability and the rise of its young talents.

Hadjam, who was making his fourth consecutive start and establishing himself as a credible option down the left flank, could now miss a crucial date. All of Algeria now waits anxiously for the medical results to find out the exact nature of his injury... and hoping for the best-case scenario.