Paris FC winger left out of Italy camp as coach prioritises fitness ahead of World Cup preparations
The absence of Ilan Kebal from Algeria’s latest squad has been attributed to injury concerns rather than a technical decision, according to sources close to WinWin, amid growing debate among supporters over his omission.
The Algeria national football team recently announced its roster for a training camp in Italy, which includes friendly matches against Guatemala and Uruguay as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kebal’s absence had initially been interpreted by fans and observers as a deliberate exclusion by head coach Vladimir Petković, particularly given the player’s form with Paris FC this season. However, new information suggests the decision was driven primarily by fitness concerns.
Squad Selection Sparks Debate
The squad announcement itself drew attention for several unexpected inclusions and omissions. Petković named six new players for the camp while leaving out a number of established figures, citing a mix of technical considerations, readiness issues and, in some cases, disciplinary reasons.
Kebal’s omission stood out due to his popularity among Algerian supporters, many of whom had previously criticised the coach for not giving him opportunities, including during the Africa Cup of Nations.
Injury the Deciding Factor
According to a source cited by WinWin, Kebal’s absence is not linked to performance or tactical choices but rather to a muscle injury sustained two weeks earlier in the French league. The winger has yet to fully recover, making him unavailable for selection.
Petković alluded to similar situations during his press conference announcing the squad, explaining that some players were not included due to fitness concerns and were left with their clubs to regain full readiness.
This approach is understood to extend to Kebal, as well as other players such as Ismaël Bennacer, who is currently associated with Dinamo Zagreb, and Samir Cherki of Paris FC.
Club Concerns Over Player Fitness
The decision also reflects sensitivity to club-level concerns. Paris FC had previously raised issues over the handling of player injuries, particularly in the case of Samir Cherki, who suffered a setback after international duty and has not featured in league action since November due to a hamstring problem.
To avoid similar complications, the Algerian coaching staff opted not to risk Kebal’s recovery, instead allowing him additional time to regain fitness.
Further evidence of his condition came when he missed Paris FC’s recent league match against Le Havre AC. His coach, Antoine Kombouaré, confirmed that the player had been given more time to recover, with expectations that he would return after the current international break.
Competition for Places Intensifies
Even when fully fit, Kebal faces significant competition for a place in the national team. Established names such as Riyad Mahrez and Anis Hadj Moussa remain key options, while emerging talents continue to push for inclusion.
Among those gaining attention is Fares Ghezimis, currently playing for Frosinone Calcio, who has been called up as part of the latest squad.
Focus on Long-Term Preparation
With Algeria preparing for upcoming international commitments and the longer-term objective of World Cup qualification, the coaching staff appear keen to balance immediate performance with player welfare.
Kebal’s absence, while notable, reflects a broader strategy aimed at ensuring players return to full fitness before being reintegrated into the national setup.
