Tunisia Suffers Major Blow as Midfield Star and Key Goalkeeper Ruled Out of World Cup Qualifiers

Africa 17 March 2025 at 05:40

Khaled Hegazy

News Editor

Tunisia’s national team's been dealt significant setback ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with midfielder Ellyes Skhiri ruled out due to injury.

Skhiri’s Injury & Absence

Skhiri sustained knee injury during Eintracht Frankfurt’s Bundesliga clash against Bochum on Sunday forcing him to leave the pitch in the 87 minute. The Tunisian Football Federation confirmed on Monday that the midfielder'll miss the upcoming qualifiers against Liberia on Mar 19 and Malawi on Mar 24.

Goalkeeping Change for Tunisia

In addition to Skhiri’s absence, goalkeeper Abdessalem Hallaoui who received his first national team call up, has also withdrawn from the squad due to muscle injury sustained in training. He's been replaced by Union Sportive Ben Guerdane’s Nourddine Farhati.

“The technical staff's called up Nourddine Farhati to replace Abdelssalem Halawi who suffered muscular injury during Sunday’s training session” read statement from the Tunisian Football Federation. “We wish them both speedy recovery”

Tunisia’s Qualification Campaign

The Carthage Eagles lead Group H of the African qualifiers with 10 point from 3 wins and draw, holding 2 point advantage over Namibia and three points over Liberia.

The team'll face the hosts on March 19 before returning home to host Malawi on March 24.