Algeria hit by double injury blow

Algeria suffered a double injury blow ahead of their opening World Cup Group C clash with fellow outsiders Slovenia on Friday.

Striker Rafik Djebbour was ruled out of the match with a foot injury while captain Anther Yahia suffered an ankle injury and is considered only 50/50 to play in what will be Algeria’s first appearance at the finals since 1986.

Djebbour, who will probably be replaced in the starting line-up by Abdelkader Ghezzal, suffered the injury in training on Thursday and aggravated it on Friday, a source inside the Algerian camp told AFP.

Yahia underwent x-rays on Friday after he fell awkwardly going for a header during the training session and he is likely to be replaced by either Abdelkader Laifaoui or Carl Medjani.

Yahia’s absence would be a huge blow to the Algerians not only for his leadership but also his goalscoring ability, it was his goal that got Algeria to the finals in their 1-0 play-off victory over six-time African champions Egypt.

Algeria, who are bidding to reach the second round for the first time having failed to get beyond the first round in 1982 despite defeating West Germany and Chile nor in 1986, will also face England and the United States in the group stage.