Algiers – Algerian international Amine Gouiri has resumed training with Olympique Marseille after a two-month absence due to a shoulder injury. The forward participated in team training sessions this past Tuesday and Wednesday.
French sources indicate that Gouiri trained fully with the squad, benefiting from rehabilitation work undertaken in Qatar. His return to training at this time suggests he could be available for selection immediately after the Ligue 1 season resumes.
Marseille faces Nantes in a league match on January 4th, followed by the Trophée des Champions against Paris Saint-Germain on January 8th. With over two weeks until these fixtures, Gouiri appears to have ample time to regain full fitness.
Speculation had arisen regarding Gouiri’s potential participation in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Initially, his return to training was projected to occur late in December, seemingly ruling him out. However, his earlier-than-expected recovery has reignited the debate.
National team coach Vladimir Petković faces a selection dilemma. While some argue that Gouiri’s availability should warrant his inclusion, sources close to the national team suggest Petković may not have included him in the preliminary squad, anticipating a later return to fitness. With Gouiri now potentially match-fit around the time of the AFCON knockout stages, questions linger.
Doubts surrounding Gouiri’s commitment to the national team have persisted. During the previous AFCON, he was absent, prompting then-coach Djamel Belmadi’s questioning of his availability. Belmadi later recalled him, indicating a genuine injury. The question now arises: did Gouiri strategically avoid participation in the AFCON? Only time will tell if he is selected for future national team duties.
DZWatch will continue to monitor Gouiri’s progress and provide updates as they become available.
