Angers SCO coach Alexandre Dujeux has shed light on the situation surrounding Himmad Abdelli following his continued absence from the Algerian national team. Dujeux acknowledged that the midfielder has been psychologically affected by not receiving a call-up to represent “Les Fennecs.”
Despite consistently delivering solid performances in Ligue 1, Abdelli was not included in Vladimir Petković’s 28-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers. Abdelli, a versatile midfielder capable of playing in several positions, has seemingly not done enough to convince the Swiss coach of his worth.
Speaking to Angers’ official website, Dujeux admitted that Abdelli is disappointed by his exclusion from the national team setup. He stated that Abdelli is currently in good form, making his absence from the national team all the more painful for the player. The coach added that Abdelli’s consistent performances of late make it understandable why he feels regret over not receiving a call-up to represent Algeria.
Dujeux sought to boost his player’s morale, emphasizing that Abdelli’s qualities give him every chance of returning to the national team fold. He even suggested that a place at the 2026 World Cup could be within reach if he continues to work hard. Dujeux stressed that the path remains open for the player, highlighting that sustained performance will be the deciding factor in his international future.
The Angers coach concluded by emphasizing that the next phase requires even greater focus from Abdelli. He explained that the player is well aware of what he needs to do to achieve his goals and return to prominence. The coming months appear crucial for Himmad Abdelli, both regarding his dream of returning to the Algerian national team and competing for a place at the 2026 World Cup, and concerning his professional future. His contract with Angers expires in the summer of 2026.
DZWatch understands that Abdelli is attracting interest from Spanish side Sevilla, who are potentially looking at a free transfer.
