Algeria Boosted by Positive Injury Update on Bennacer Ahead of World Cup Preparations.Midfielder’s recovery offers timely relief as Desert Warriors prepare for Uruguay friendly
The Algeria national football team have received encouraging news ahead of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup, with concerns over Ismaël Bennacer easing following a recent injury scare.
Algeria are currently finalising their build-up for a high-profile friendly against Uruguay national football team, scheduled to take place on Tuesday at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. The match forms part of the team’s wider preparations for the upcoming global tournament.
However, attention in recent days has shifted towards the fitness of Bennacer, whose absence from the national team squad had raised concerns among supporters and coaching staff.
Injury concerns give way to optimism
Initial reports suggested that the midfielder, who plays for GNK Dinamo Zagreb, could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining an injury during training last week. Early assessments had even indicated the possibility of his season ending prematurely.
Those fears have since subsided. According to Croatian media, further medical examinations revealed that the injury is not as serious as first thought.
The newspaper Sportske Novosti reported that Bennacer requires only a short period of rest before gradually returning to training. The update has been widely interpreted as a significant relief for both club and country.
Possible return to action imminent
There is now growing expectation that Bennacer could return to competitive action sooner than anticipated. Reports suggest he may be included in Dinamo Zagreb’s squad for their upcoming Croatian league fixture against Osijek on 4 April, marking his first potential appearance following the international break.
The midfielder remained in Zagreb during the break, following an agreement between his club and the Algerian national team. It was during this period that he experienced a minor physical issue in training, though it did not require extensive treatment or intervention.
Medical staff are expected to oversee a gradual reintegration into full training, with the aim of restoring his match fitness before the end of the season.
Squad adjustments and world cup ambitions
Algeria head coach Vladimir Petković had initially named a 27-man squad for the current international window. The selection included several changes, with six new players called up and a number of established names omitted.
Among those absent was Baghdad Bounedjah, while Bennacer himself was left out due to injury concerns.
The team, known as the Desert Warriors, are preparing for their fifth appearance at the World Cup. They have been drawn in a group alongside Argentina national football team, Jordan national football team and Austria national football team.
Their best performance in the tournament remains their run to the second round in the 2014 edition in Brazil.
Timely boost for Algeria
The positive update on Bennacer’s condition provides a timely lift for Algeria as they continue their preparations for upcoming challenges. With the midfielder expected to return to action soon, his recovery could play an important role in strengthening both his club and national team prospects.
As the World Cup approaches, maintaining squad fitness will be crucial. For Algeria, the latest developments suggest that one of their key players may be back in contention sooner than expected.
