Bensebaïni spotted in orthopedic boot six days before Algeria-Argentina clash

Ramy Bensebaïni was spotted wearing an orthopedic boot during Algeria’s training camp, six days before the Fennecs’ first match at the 2026 World Cup against Argentina, scheduled for next Wednesday at 4 a.m.

The Borussia Dortmund defender had already missed the end of the club season following a left foot injury sustained in early May, choosing to preserve his fitness for the World Cup. But his comeback was compromised by a new setback: a right ankle injury suffered during training, according to several Algerian media outlets. As a result, the 31-year-old took no part in the victory over the Netherlands (1-0) nor in the heavy defeat to Bolivia (0-4), absent from the team sheet in both cases under coach Vladimir Petkovic.

The presence of the orthopedic boot, which immobilizes the entire foot, fuels fears of a withdrawal from the opening clash against the 2022 world champions. The Algerian staff is monitoring the situation day by day.

Should Bensebaïni be ruled out, Zineddine Belaïd and Mohamed Tougaï are cited as the most credible options to form the central defense alongside Aïssa Mandi.