Algeria could turn to Esperance forward Koceila Boualia as they look to fill the gap left by injured winger Anis Hadj Moussa ahead of their upcoming international friendlies.
Hadj Moussa has withdrawn from the national team camp after sustaining a muscle injury, forcing the Algerian coaching staff to consider alternative options as preparations continue for the 2026 World Cup.
With limited time before their scheduled matches, Boualia has emerged as a leading candidate to step into the squad.
The potential call-up comes as Algeria begin a training camp in Italy, where they are preparing to face Guatemala on March 27 in Genoa, followed by a clash against Uruguay on March 31 in Turin.
These fixtures form part of a broader plan to fine-tune the squad ahead of the global tournament.
Boualia, who plays for Esperance de Tunis, has been in good form this season.
The attacker has made 28 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing three assists.
His performances at club level appear to have placed him firmly on the radar of the national team selectors at a crucial moment.
Head coach Vladimir Petkovic is now faced with a decision as he reshapes his squad following the injury setback.
While no official replacement has been confirmed, Boualia’s name is being widely mentioned as a strong option to reinforce the attacking line.
For Boualia, a potential inclusion would represent a significant opportunity to break into the senior national setup.
With Algeria entering an important phase of preparation, the upcoming friendlies could offer a platform for emerging players to stake their claim for a place in the team.
Algeria’s training camp in Italy marks the beginning of an important period for the national side as they build towards the 2026 World Cup.
Facing opponents such as Guatemala and Uruguay provides an opportunity to test different combinations and assess squad depth.
As the countdown to the friendlies continues, attention will remain on Petkovic’s final squad decisions.
Whether Boualia is handed the opportunity or not, the situation highlights the dynamic nature of international football, where injuries can quickly reshape plans and create new pathways for emerging talent.
