Handed a start by Brahim Hemdani in Bujumbura, the Algerian midfielder hurt his left ankle just before half-time. No diagnosis has been released yet, but the post-match images are a worry for Marseille.
The international break is turning into a nightmare for Olympique de Marseille. On Tuesday, 29 September, during Algeria’s 2-2 draw in Burundi on matchday two of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Himad Abdelli was forced off shortly before the interval. After landing badly following a strong challenge, the Marseille man immediately clutched his left ankle.
Unable to carry on, he was helped off the pitch by two members of the Algerian medical staff. After the final whistle, he was seen on crutches at the side of the pitch, in images shared by the Algerian press.
No diagnosis yet
So far, neither the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) nor Marseille have said anything about the exact nature of the injury or how long he could be out. Medical tests should shed more light. His involvement in Algeria’s friendly against Niger on 6 October, however, looks very doubtful.
A key man for Genesio
For Bruno Genesio, the timing could hardly be worse. Abdelli, 26, had established himself in Marseille’s starting line-up this season: he started each of the club’s first six matches and also provided an assist against Besiktas in the Europa League. After a difficult first few months at the club, the former Angers player had finally found his feet.
The blow stings all the more because Marseille are on a five-game losing streak and the treatment room is filling up fast. Before Abdelli, Derek Cornelius suffered a serious hip injury with Canada, Amine Gouiri was sent back by Algeria with a muscle injury to his left thigh picked up against Zambia, and Tadjidine Mmadi was also hurt on international duty.
Two Marseille players injured in a single Algeria camp: the bill keeps climbing for the Ligue 1 club. Answers are expected in the coming days, once the scans are in.