Napoli fullback Faouzi Ghoulam has been named Algeria Player of the Year.

Ghoulam has revealed he's close to returning from knee injury.

“I didn't expect this award, as I always think of the team first, like any defender, so this is rather unusual to receive individual plaudits. We tend to do our work in the shadows," Ghoulam told TV Luna.

“Getting more votes than important players like Yacine Brahimi and Riyad Mahrez is remarkable, but if I won this award, then it's thanks to Napoli.

“My family was very proud and I'm proud to represent Algeria, but it's thanks to Napoli that I have reached this level. I try to see the positive in everything and am also religious, so I see the good in the bad. I had this injury, but the people were always close to me and I didn't expect such warmth from the Napoli and Algeria fans. I thank everyone for the affection that helped me get back on the field as soon as possible.

“The credit for this rapid recovery is not to me, but the Napoli doctors and physiotherapists. They are remarkable, as every day my knee is improving. We had three weeks of double training sessions: six or seven hours on the field and two or three hours at home."