Algerian Fennec Foxes have been weakened further following groin injury suffered by defender Faouzi Ghoulam ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles.

The Napoli of Italy left back will not be in the squad expected in Uyo today, this brings to four the number of key players injured as the Algerians prepare to redeem themselves in the qualifiers.

Ghoulam’s withdrawal has made it increasingly difficult for coach Georges Leekens to line up a formidable after three top players were also lost to injuries earlier this week.

Midfielders Rachid Ghezzal and Ryad Boudebouz as well as striker Hilal Soudani opted out of the World Cup qualifier in Nigeria on account of injury.

Ghezzal and Boudebouz were examined by Algeria team doctors before they were excused from the training camp, while Dynamo Zagreb striker Soudani did not even fly down to Algiers.

They have since been replaced by Baghdad Bounedjah, Yassine Benzia and Ismael Bennacer.