The Algerian Football Federation has confirmed that winger Anis Hadj Moussa has withdrawn from the Algeria national football team training camp in Italy due to injury, just one day after preparations began.
The development follows earlier reports that the player had arrived carrying a fitness concern, which has now been verified by medical examinations conducted by the national team’s staff.
As a result, head coach Vladimir Petković has decided to release the player from the squad to allow him to continue treatment with his club.
Algeria’s training camp officially got under way on Monday, 23 March, at the Juventus Training Center, as the team prepares for upcoming international friendlies against Guatemala and Uruguay.
These fixtures form part of Algeria’s broader build-up to the 2026 World Cup.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the federation confirmed that Hadj Moussa had not been fully fit upon arrival.
Although the nature of the injury was not detailed in the official announcement, reports indicate it is related to the adductor muscle.
The issue is believed to have occurred during his recent club appearance for Feyenoord Rotterdam in their Dutch league fixture against Ajax Amsterdam.
Following the assessment, the decision was taken for the winger to leave the camp and return to his club for further medical care.
The move reduces the number of players available to Petković, who had initially named a 27-man squad for the training camp. With no replacement announced, the squad now stands at 26 players.
The absence of Hadj Moussa is likely to open up opportunities for other members of the squad, particularly newer additions seeking to establish themselves at international level.
Among them is Fares Ghemies, a winger for Frosinone Calcio, who could benefit from increased chances of playing time during the upcoming friendlies if selected.
The current training camp marks a period of transition for Algeria, with several new players introduced into the national team set-up.
Alongside Ghemies, recent call-ups include goalkeeper Kylian Belazouk of Stade Rennais, Melvin Mastel of Nyon, defender Ashraf Abada of USM Alger, midfielder Adil Aouchiche of Schalke 04, and striker Nazir Benbouali of Győri ETO FC.
The inclusion of these players reflects Petković’s efforts to broaden his options and evaluate emerging talent ahead of future competitions.
The friendly matches against Guatemala on 27 March and Uruguay on 31 March are expected to provide valuable opportunities for experimentation and squad assessment.
Despite the setback of losing Hadj Moussa, Algeria’s preparations continue, with the coaching staff now tasked with adjusting plans and ensuring the team remains competitive.
The focus remains firmly on building cohesion and readiness as the “Desert Warriors” look ahead to their upcoming challenges on the international stage.
