Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani says the federation remains in regular contact with dual nationals Khalis Merah and Yanis Massolin as it seeks to make both players available for the national team.
Neither player was included in the squad for Algeria’s matches against Togo on 14 and 17 November, but Hemdani confirmed that discussions over their international futures are continuing.
Asked about the work being undertaken by the Federation algerienne de football (FAF), and whether the two players were open to joining the Fennecs, Hemdani said progress had been made.
“We are in regular contact with the players. The two you mentioned are being monitored and we are doing everything necessary to understand their situation and, potentially, create the conditions for them to be called up to the national team,” he said at a news conference on Thursday.
Hemdani also revealed that he had watched both players in action last weekend. That indicates that Merah and Massolin remain under consideration by the Algeria coaching staff, despite their absence from the latest squad.
Merah situation appears favourable
The outlook surrounding Khalis Merah has appeared increasingly positive. According to information from winwin, the midfielder’s father is understood to have given an initial agreement following discussions with FAF president Walid Sadi.
However, Algeria are keen to proceed carefully. The federation is reportedly waiting for the young player to secure more regular playing time at Olympique Lyonnais before taking the next step.
The club situation is therefore an important part of the process, with Algeria continuing to assess when the midfielder might be ready for a first involvement with the national side.
Massolin remains under consideration
Yanis Massolin’s case is more complicated. The Cagliari midfielder has a physical and technical profile that appeals to the Algerian selection, and the FAF had already been tracking him during the previous international window.
Administrative procedures that had not yet been completed helped prevent a first call-up in October. Those outstanding steps mean that the possibility of Massolin joining Algeria remains unresolved.
Hemdani’s comments confirm that the federation has not closed the file, although they do not guarantee that the player will eventually choose the Fennecs.
The manager gave no timetable for either player’s possible arrival. That cautious approach reflects the fact that, although contact has been established, the persuasion process and the necessary administrative work are still ongoing.
For now, both Merah and Massolin continue to be regarded as serious options to strengthen Algeria in the coming months.
