Chergui Back in the frame for Algeria

In a major boost for both club and country, Samir Chergui has made his long-awaited return to the Paris FC squad. The 27-year-old defender featured on the bench during Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Lorient, marking his first competitive appearance since a hamstring injury cut short his 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

After months of grueling rehabilitation, the versatile center-back is now racing against time. With the 2026 World Cup just over two months away, Chergui’s recovery offers a timely solution for Algeria’s national team manager, Vladimir Petkovic.

The former Auxerre man is determined to use the final stretch of the league season to prove his fitness and secure his spot in the Greens’ 26-man squad for North America. For Petkovic, having a healthy Chergui back in the fold adds vital depth and experience to the Algerian backline at the perfect moment.