Algeria Suffer Defensive Setback Just Days Before World Cup Tests

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·1 de septiembre de 2025

Algeria Suffer Defensive Setback Just Days Before World Cup Tests

Coach Petkovic replaces injured Man City defender with Khacef for Botswana & Guinea clashes

Algeria Suffer Defensive Setback Just Days Before World Cup Tests

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Algeria've suffered setback ahead of the September international window as coach Vladimir Petkovic confirmed the absence of Man City defender Rayan Ait Nouri due to injury.

Why AIt Nouri's Missing

Although AIt Nouri featured in City’s recent PL win over Brighton, Petkovic chose not to risk him prioritising full recovery from the muscle injury he picked up against Tottenham earlier this season.

Khacef Steps In

In AIt Nouri’s place, Petkovic's recalled Noufel Khacef of USM Alger to strengthen the defensive line. Algeria face Botswana on Thursday followed by decisive trip to Guinea on 8 Sep, both crucial fixtures in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

🚨EXCLU 🆕🇩🇿Le sélectionneur national, Vladimir Petković, a convoqué le latéral du CR Belouizdad, Noufel Khacef.
– lunes, 1 de septiembre de 2025

Full Algeria Squad

Petkovic named 25 man list for the 2 qualifier blending European based stars & domestic talents:

Goalkeepers: Benbout (USM Alger), Alexis Guendouz (MC Alger), Zakaria Bouhalfaya (CS Constantine)
Defenders: Naoufel Khacef (USM Alger), Youcef Atal (Al-Sadd), Ahmed Touba (Panathinaikos), Ramy Bensebaini (Dortmund), Kevin Guitoun (Charleroi), Mohamed Amine Tougai (Espérance), Jaouen Hadjam (Young Boys), AIssa Mandi (Lille)
Midfielders: Houssem Aouar (Al Ittihad), Nabil Bentaleb (Lille), Ilan Kebbal (Paris FC), Hicham Boudaoui (Nice), Ramiz Zerrouki (Twente)
Forwards: Said Benrahma (Nimes), Mohamed Amine Amoura (Wolfsburg), Yassine Benzia (Al Fayha), Youcef Belaili (Esperance), Baghdad Bounedjah (Al Shamal), Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen), Amine Gouiri (Marseille), Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli), Anis Hadj Moussa (Feyenoord)