Algeria midfielder Mourad Meghni will miss the World Cup after failing to recover from a knee injury.
Midfielder admits it would have been too much of a risk to play
Algeria midfielder Mourad Meghni will miss the World Cup after failing to recover from a knee injury.
Meghni has been hampered by the problem for several months and the Lazio schemer has now been forced to concede defeat in his quest to be fit for the World Cup.
The 26-year-old will now undergo an operation on his knee and admits it would have been too much of a gamble to play in South Africa.
Speaking to television station
Arryadia immediately after the announcement, Meghni said: "I'm very sad about this.
"I've been fighting this injury for months, but it didn't heal properly.
"It would have been risky for me to play and things could have gotten even worse.
"The decision was taken and I need to accept it. The doctors know what they're doing and they gave their final say on the matter."
Sadness
Meghni said he still felt part of the team and wished the players all the best for the tournament, adding: "The manner in which I was informed about it and the sadness on the face of the FAF president somehow comforts me a bit because it showed me that I'm in a family.
"My team-mates also shared my sadness with me. Things didn't work out, I have to accept this.
"I'm definitely sad, but life goes on and I hope that the team makes it to the second round."
Algeria are in Group C for the finals and face Slovenia in their opening game on 13th June before meetings with England and the United States.
