Algeria could be without Anis Hadj Moussa from the start when they face Burundi in their second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, after the winger reported hamstring discomfort during training.
The Feyenoord player picked up the problem during Monday’s session, leaving his involvement in Tuesday’s Group I fixture uncertain.
While the exact nature of the injury has not been specified, Algeria’s coaching staff are expected to take a cautious approach.
The latest indications suggest Hadj Moussa will begin the match on the bench, with Bachir Belloumi expected to take his place in the starting line-up.
The potential absence of Hadj Moussa would add to Algeria’s concerns after Rayan Aït-Nouri and Amine Gouiri were already ruled out of the trip to Burundi.
Hadj Moussa had also started Algeria’s opening qualifier against Zambia as a substitute. He entered the match in the 71st minute and made an immediate impact, scoring only two minutes after coming on to help the Greens secure a 3-1 victory.
His latest form has made the fitness concern particularly significant.
The 24-year-old has recorded three goals and two assists in 19 appearances, while continuing to compete for a place on the right side of Algeria’s attack.
The position has remained open since Riyad Mahrez retired from international football, creating an opportunity for several players to establish themselves.
Hadj Moussa’s hamstring issue could now give Belloumi another chance to strengthen his claim for a regular starting role.
The Hull City winger started against Zambia and is expected to retain his place for the meeting with Burundi.
His performances at club level have also provided encouragement, with Belloumi recently scoring twice within six minutes against Chelsea in the Premier League.
That form could work in his favour as Algeria prepare for a match they will enter as Group I leaders following their opening victory.
The Greens will be looking to follow up their 3-1 win over Zambia with another positive result against Burundi.
Burundi, meanwhile, began their qualifying campaign with a 1-0 defeat by Togo and will be seeking a response when the two teams meet.
With Algeria sitting at the top of the group, the match represents an opportunity for the North Africans to strengthen their position early in the qualifying campaign.
However, the fitness of Hadj Moussa remains one of the key issues heading into the game.
A final decision on the winger’s involvement is expected to depend on the outcome of the latest medical assessments. Even if he is cleared to participate, the current expectation is that he will be used from the bench rather than risk starting him.
That would allow Belloumi to make his second consecutive start for Algeria and provide another opportunity for the Hull City player to impress.
For Algeria coach Brahim Hemdani, the priority will be to avoid taking unnecessary risks with Hadj Moussa while maintaining the momentum generated by the opening victory over Zambia.
The Greens therefore face Burundi with uncertainty surrounding one of their attacking options, but with Belloumi ready to step into the starting XI if required.
