Algeria’s Taider out, Bennacer gets Cup call
Algerian midfielder Saphir Taïder has been ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations with a recurring knee injury and will be replaced by Ismail Bennacer.
Saphir Taider of Algeria and Axel Witsel of Belgium compete for the ball during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group H match between Belgium and Algeria at Estadio Mineirao on June 17, 2014 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) said 19-year-old Arsenal midfielder Bennacer will arrive in Algiers on Thursday before flying to Gabon for their tournament opener on Sunday against Zimbabwe.
Taïder aggravated a previous injury during training with defender Ramy Bensebaini also nursing a niggling knee problem.
“It’s a real pity for Taider, it happened at the last minute. He was a key element for me, a player who had experience in the Cup of Nations and World Cup,” said Algeria coach George Leekens.
“I hope that Ismael Bennacer will be up to the task. He will learn a lot in this CAN.
Algeria are drawn in Group B with Tunisia, Senegal and Zimbabwe, with the top two advancing to the quarter-finals.
