Burnley FC interim manager Michael Jackson has moved to calm fears surrounding the fitness of Hannibal Mejbri after the midfielder was forced off during Burnley’s 2-2 Premier League draw against Aston Villa FC.
The Tunisia international left the match in the 69th minute after appearing to struggle physically, prompting immediate concern among supporters in Tunisia with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching.
Hannibal’s condition has become a major topic of discussion within Tunisian football circles due to his importance to the national team, known as the “Eagles of Carthage”. Tunisia are preparing for a difficult World Cup campaign in a group featuring Netherlands national football team, Japan national football team and Sweden national football team.
The sight of the 23-year-old collapsing through exhaustion during the match raised fears he may have suffered a serious injury that could threaten his availability in the coming months.
Hannibal has become a key figure for Tunisia thanks to his energetic displays in midfield and his ability to connect defensive and attacking play. His performances and experience in European football have established him as one of the central figures in coach Sabri Lamouchi’s plans ahead of the tournament.
However, Burnley’s interim manager sought to reassure fans by explaining that the player’s withdrawal was linked to fatigue rather than a significant physical problem.
“Hannibal hasn’t trained much recently, and it was one of those games where he felt extremely tired, so it was necessary to take him off.”
Jackson’s comments were welcomed in Tunisia, where anxiety had grown following the player’s abrupt departure during the second half of the Aston Villa encounter.
The update comes at an important stage in Tunisia’s preparations for the World Cup, with Lamouchi and his coaching staff already working on plans for the competition. The Tunisian side faces a demanding challenge in a group widely viewed as one of the most competitive at the tournament.
Within the national team setup, Hannibal is regarded as one of the leaders of the current generation. Coaches value not only his technical ability and energy in midfield, but also his composure and personality in high-pressure matches.
Despite Burnley’s confirmed relegation from the Premier League, the club still has two matches remaining before the end of the season, against Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.
Hannibal is expected to use those fixtures to rebuild his physical condition and regain full sharpness before reporting for international duty with Tunisia.
For both Burnley and Tunisia, the latest medical update will come as a significant relief, particularly at a time when every player’s fitness is under close scrutiny ahead of next year’s World Cup campaign.
