Brahim Hemdani is expected to name a 26-man Algeria squad on Thursday for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying double-header against Togo on 14 and 17 November, with several changes likely from his first selection.
The Algeria manager initially called up 26 players and is expected to retain a similar squad size. Luca Zidane, whose suspension has now been served, is likely to return despite limited club football. Melvin Mastil, who started the previous camp, has not done enough to secure his place, while Abdellatif Ramdane could complete a three-man goalkeeping group.
Oussama Benbot of USM Alger and Rayan Yesli of Akbou have also been assessed, although including either would mean dropping one of the other three. Goalkeeper is therefore expected to be the most uncertain position.
Expected goalkeepers: Mastil, Ramdane, Zidane.
Rayan Ait-Nouri is again unlikely to be selected. His disagreement with the coaching staff does not appear to have been resolved, while his limited playing time at Manchester City makes an immediate recall less likely. Zineddine Belaid could also miss out after a disappointing previous camp.
Rafik Belghali is available again after suspension, although his knee injury sustained with Torino means his selection will depend on medical clearance. Mohamed Azzi, who has impressed for CSKA Moscow, could benefit from Saadi Radouani’s unconvincing performances.
Samir Chergui’s fitness problems have weakened his position, while Rafik Messali will have to wait for his first call-up after suffering a serious tear. Among the newly pre-selected players, left-back Fahem Benaissa-Yahia appears to have a slight advantage because of the lack of alternatives in his position. The choice could come down to him and Yanis Hamache. Abdelnour Soualhia is also pushing for inclusion but is unlikely to be called up this month.
Expected defenders: Bensebaini, Hadjam, Touba, Nair, Abada, Belghali, Azzi, Benaissa-Yahia.
Nabil Bentaleb was called up in September before withdrawing, but should now properly return despite currently being ill. Algeria missed his holding-midfield qualities and leadership against Burundi. Yacine Titraoui and Hicham Boudaoui are also expected to come back.
Himad Abdelli, Adem Zorgane and Ibrahim Maza should retain their places. Fares Chaibi is expected to keep the final midfield spot despite inconsistent recent performances, while Adil Aouchiche is under pressure. A return for Houssem Aouar appears unlikely, and Ramiz Zerrouki, despite being pre-selected and performing well for Twente, may miss out because of competition for places.
Expected midfielders: Bentaleb, Boudaoui, Titraoui, Zorgane, Abdelli, Maza, Chaibi.
Nadhir Benbouali is injured despite his excellent form with Pyramids. Baghdad Bounedjah was not included in the extended list and is therefore unlikely to benefit from that absence.
Mohamed El-Amine Ramdaoui has impressed for USM Alger but is expected to remain with Rafik Saifi’s Under-23 side. With few alternatives, Amin Chiakha and Monsef Bakrar could be recalled despite disappointing displays in September.
Amoura and Boulbina remain the preferred options on the left, while Hadj Moussa and Belloumi are the established choices on the right. Fares Ghedjemis, whose form is improving in Serie A, should also return. Ilyes Hamache has strengthened his case with impressive performances in the Eredivisie and could replace Bakrar.
Expected forwards: Amoura, Gouiri, Hadj Moussa, Belloumi, Ghedjemis, Boulbina, Hamache, Chiakha.
