Algiers, DZWatch – National team coach Vladimir Petkovic has announced that defender Jaouen Hadjam’s participation in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 has been curtailed due to injury. The announcement marks a premature end to Hadjam’s journey with the national team in this prestigious tournament.
Speaking at a press conference held earlier today, Petkovic stated, “After attempts to facilitate Hadjam’s recovery within the national team setup, a decision was ultimately made to allow him to return to his club for further treatment and rehabilitation.” This decision underscores the coaching staff’s commitment to prioritizing the player’s long-term health and well-being.
Hadjam sustained a significant ankle injury during the national team’s second group stage match against Burkina Faso in the previous AFCON tournament. The injury has proven to be more serious than initially anticipated, requiring extensive rehabilitation.
“We explored every possible avenue to keep Jaouen with us,” Petkovic emphasized, “but ultimately, the medical assessments indicated that a return to his club for specialized treatment was the most appropriate course of action.”
The absence of Hadjam will undoubtedly be felt within the national team. He has been a valuable asset to the squad, demonstrating both skill and commitment on the field. The coaching staff is now focused on identifying and preparing suitable replacements to fill the void left by his departure.
DZWatch wishes Jaouen Hadjam a speedy and full recovery and looks forward to seeing him back on the field representing the national team in the future. The focus now shifts to the remaining players as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.



