Algeria striker Rafik Djebbour ruled out of CAR clash
- Published
Algeria striker Rafik Djebbour (in green) will miss Sunday's match against CAR
Algeria will miss midfielder Mehdi Lacen and striker Rafik Djebbour for the decisive 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Central Africa Republic (CAR).
Spain-based Lacen has pulled out of the squad for Sunday's Group D game in Algiers because of a thigh problem.
The 27-year-old Djebbour is also out because of a suspected knee injury.
The absence of the duo is a blow for the Desert Foxes who are seeking to win to boost their chances of qualifying.
Djebbour is likely to be replaced by Baghdad Bounedjah of local side USM El Harrach.
Algeria must win the game and hope the result of the other match between Morocco and Tanzania goes their way for them to be able to qualify.
The Desert Foxes lost 2-0 in their previous clash with the CAR last year and the north Africans are seeking to avenge that defeat.
CAR are hoping to qualify for their first Africa Cup of Nations tournament since they participated in the 1974 edition.
But they must win the game in Algiers and hope visiting Tanzania hold Morocco in Casablanca to be able to qualify.
CAR are tied with Morocco at the top of the group with eight points while Tanzania and Algeria have five points each.