Algerians in Europe 2008 - 2009

[Al-khiyal]

Djebbour sanctionné financièrement à 10 milles euros

Samedi 7 Février 2009 -- La direction du club Grecque AEK Athènes a sanctionné l’international Algérien, Rafik Zoheir Djebbour, avec une amende de 10 milles euros, selon le site électronique du club. Cette sanction est venue comme mesure disciplinaire prise contre Djebbour, qui a « agressé » dernièrement son camarade dans l’équipe, l’argentin Nacho Scocco, dans les vestiaires lors d’une altercation entre les deux hommes. Son coéquipier argentin, doit payer 8 mille euros.

[Al-khiyal]

Algerian international Ziani gets top marks in FIFA poll

March 9, 2009 -- Algerian international and Olympic Marseille midfielder Karim Ziani is the second-highest ranked African player in Europe, according to a new poll on the FIFA website, El Watan reported on Monday (February 9th). FC Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o came in first and Egypt's Mido finished third.

[Al-khiyal]

Algeria & Marseille star Karim Ziani suffers injury blow

March 21, 2009 -- After a week on the sidelines, Olympique de Marseille midfielder Karim Ziani will undergo surgery on his lower abdomen on Monday.

The procedure will be completed in Bordeaux by the same doctor who performed surgeries on team-mates Renato Civelli and Mathieu Valbuena.

The injury comes at a difficult stage of Marseille’s season as the side are still in the chase for the Ligue 1 and UEFA Cup titles. The coaching staff and the player explored all their options before coming to the conclusion that surgery was the best option.

The recovery period is expected to be four to five weeks.

“If we have to do it, we may as well do it as soon as we can,” said head coach Erik Gerets. “If the pain returns again it will be a lot worse.

“By having the surgery now we lose him for some weeks, but he’ll be back for the end of the season.”

The injury will have no implications on whether Ziani can represent the Algerian national side in their March 28 qualifier versus Rwanda in Kigali.

The 26-year-old did not figure on Rabah Saadane’s roster because he was already suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards in the previous round of qualifying.

[Al-khiyal]

Marseille midfielder Karim Ziani satisfied with adductor surgery

March 28, 2009 -- Olympique de Marseille midfielder Karim Ziani has expressed his satisfaction with the surgery he underwent last week in Bordeaux to relieve adductor pain that had been bothering him for quite some time.

The former Sochaux player told Le Buteur that he and the Marseille medical staff decided that the operation was the best route in order to ensure that he would be available before the end of the season. “I could have not had the surgery but I preferred to do it because I couldn’t stand the pain anymore,” he said.

“In addition, if an adductor problem is not dealt with it can get a lot worse and lead to months on the sidelines. To avoid all this, I decided to be operated on, especially considering the important encounters that await me with Marseille and the Algerian national team.”

The player, who was suspended and set to miss out on Algeria’s Saturday showdown with Rwanda, also took the opportunity to assure Fennec fans that he will be ready to the country’s vitally important fixture versus continental champions Egypt.

“For the Rwanda match I was very disappointed because I thought that the yellow cards from the second round would not carry over to this round,” he lamented. “As far as Egypt are concerned, I can tell supporters of the Greens that I will be in Blida on the June 7 even if I have to play on one foot!”

[Al-khiyal]

Sochaux youngster Ryad Boudebouz leaning towards Algeria

April 1, 2009 -- Sochaux midfielder Ryad Boudebouz, a 19-year-old winger, has told Djazair News that he would be interested in switching allegiance from France to Algeria if he was given assurances by the Fennec’s coaching staff that he would be considered for a senior place in coming years.

The player denied having already been contacted by the country’s football officials but said he would be open to starting a discussion.

“I think I will make my choice after having talked to [Algerian national team coach] Rabah Saadane” said Boudebouz. “I think I would opt for Algeria if I got the slightest hint that there was a possibility of being called up into the squad.”

The player, who currently plays in France’s Under-20 team, has been a semi-regular for the relegation threatened side and has taken part in 17 matches, scoring two goals and recording one assist. In the interview, he also admitted that he was surprised to have ascended to first team football so quickly.

“At the beginning of the season I didn’t think I would play a big number of games with the first team,” he stated. “I imagined that I would train with the pros and play with the reserves but destiny decided differently and thank God for that.”

Rabah Saadane has previously mentioned that Boudebouz would have to first play with the junior national side before he could be considered for senior team action.

[Al-khiyal]

Fulham offer trials to Algeria U17 keeper Abdennour Merzouki

April 3, 2009 -- Fulham have offered trials to Algeria U17 goalkeeper Abdennour Merzouki. Merzouki is available as a free agent and The Sun says Fulham have offered him trials after a superb U17 African Championships.

[Al-khiyal]

Fulham tracking Algerian goalkeeping prodigy Abdennour Marzouki

April 6, 2009 -- According to Algerian football website dzfoot.com, Fulham have offered Under-17 Algerian goalkeeper Abdennour Marzouki a trial in London after his impressive performances allowed his team to reach the final of the U-17 African Cup of Nations, which were hosted by the north African country.

The player took part in all but one game for the young Fennecs; he was rested for Algeria’s meaningless third group match versus Gambia, which they lost 2-0.

Marzouki did not concede any goals until the final, which was played against the same opponents and ended 3-1 in the visitors’ favour.

The former WA Boufarik player is not the only Algerian to have drawn interest from high profile European sides. French champs Olympique Lyonnais are reportedly keen on team-mate Abdennour Bezzaz, who impressed club emissaries with his skill and technique.

Both player will take part in the U-17 World Cup in Nigeria, which is scheduled to begin on October 24 of this year.