© Reuters 2002

BAMAKO, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Algerian midfielder Omar Belbey has made a quick recovery from a potentially dangerous head injury and could play in his country's next African Nations Cup match against Liberia, officials said on Wednesday.

The Montpellier midfielder was hospitalised after a serious-looking clash of heads with Nigerian defender Ifeanyi Udeze in the match at the March 26 stadium in Bamako on Monday where the Algerians suffered a 1-0 defeat.

The Confederation of African Football reported he had suffered head injuries but Algerian officials said he had been discharged just hours after a routine scan showed no damage. He did receive three stitches for the head wound.

"He had to go to a second hospital for a scan but the doctor said he was OK to return to the camp and the next day he had a light run to make sure everything was fine," the official said.

Belbey will be considered for Algeria's next outing at the Nations Cup, which is against Liberia in Bamako on Friday.