Double blow for Algeria: The Desert Warriors rocked by two key absences | OneFootball

Petkovic forced into changes ahead of Saudi Arabia friendly and AFCON 2025 preparations

Double blow for Algeria: The Desert Warriors rocked by two key absences

The Algerian national team has been hit with two significant injury setback as Hicham Boudaoui & Mohamed Amine Amoura have both been ruled out of the current training camp in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Algeria face Saudi Arabia on Tuesday as part of their joint preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations which kicks off in Morocco on 21 December.

Boudaoui arrives injured

According to official statement from the Algerian FA, Hicham Boudaoui (OGC Nice) joined the camp carrying discomfort that required modified training programme over the first days.

However the latest medical evaluation confirmed that the midfielder is not fit to participate in Tuesday’s match forcing head coach Vladimir Petkovic to release him from the squad.

Boudaoui’s absence is notable loss given his versatility & importance in Algeria’s midfield structure.

Forward Mohamed Amine Amoura (VfL Wolfsburg) has also been withdrawn after picking up minor injury that while not serious , will prevent him from featuring against Saudi Arabia.

Petkovic is expected to adjust his attacking plans accordingly with the Algeria staff opting for caution to ensure Amoura’s full recovery ahead of AFCON preparations.