Algeria are facing an anxious wait over the fitness of defender Ramy Bensebaini ahead of the start of their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, with the Borussia Dortmund star still recovering from injury.
The experienced defender remains one of the most important figures in Vladimir Petkovic’s squad and is regarded as a key component of Algeria’s defensive structure.
Bensebaini heads into the tournament carrying concerns over a foot injury that disrupted the final stages of his season with Borussia Dortmund and continues to cast doubt over his immediate availability.
The 31-year-old missed Dortmund’s final three Bundesliga matches after suffering the setback, raising questions about whether he would be fit enough to feature at the World Cup.
Despite those concerns, Petkovic included the defender in his final squad, highlighting the trust he places in one of Algeria’s most experienced internationals.
Bensebaini has earned 81 caps for the Fennecs, scoring seven goals and providing five assists during his international career. His leadership and versatility have made him a crucial player for Algeria over the years.
Although injuries interrupted parts of his 2025-26 campaign, the defender still produced an impressive return for Borussia Dortmund, contributing seven goals and three assists in 32 appearances across all competitions.
There had been hopes that he would regain match fitness during Algeria’s pre-tournament friendlies against the Netherlands and Bolivia. However, he remained an unused substitute in both encounters, further fuelling concerns about his condition.
His absence from competitive action means uncertainty remains over whether he will be ready for Algeria’s opening Group D clash against Argentina.
The Algerian medical team continues to monitor his recovery closely and is reportedly adopting a cautious approach to avoid aggravating the injury.
While Bensebaini remains with the squad, sources indicate that he has yet to return to full training intensity and is still progressing through his rehabilitation programme.
His potential absence would represent a significant blow for Algeria, given both his defensive qualities and his ability to contribute in attacking situations.
Petkovic and his coaching staff will be hoping the defender can make sufficient progress in the coming days, particularly as Algeria prepare for what promises to be a demanding group-stage campaign.
For now, the Fennecs must continue their preparations without certainty over the availability of one of their most influential players, as they await further updates on Bensebaini’s recovery ahead of their World Cup opener.
