Algeria defender Rafik Halliche does not expect to be available for selection when his team play against Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, as he is still recovering from a calf injury.

The Fennec Foxes, who are currently at the top of the Group C standings, need to thwart what is expected to be a vicious onslaught from Ghana this week as the Black Stars attempt to collect their first set of points during the campaign.

Whatever the outcome in the fixture, Algeria will have to achieve it without one of their most seasoned campaigners, who also happens to be the captain of the squad.

"Rafik Halliche took a little break from the workouts because he was injured," said Algeria coach Christian Gourcuff.

The injury is not a new one and reports indicate the defender was troubled by the same knock during the opening match against South Africa earlier this week.

"It’s true that his muscle is a little bit sore. He also had trouble playing the match against South Africa," added Gourcuff.