Algeria hand Le Mans FC winger Adil Bourabaa maiden senior call-up after Bentaleb injury

Le Mans FC winger Adil Bourabaa has received his first call-up to the Algeria senior national team after being drafted into the squad as a replacement for injured Lille OSC midfielder Nabil Bentaleb.

The 21-year-old forward was not included in the initial squad announced by Algeria, but his impressive start to the season has now earned him an opportunity with the senior national side.

Bourabaa has been one of the standout performers for Le Mans since making the step up to Ligue 1, quickly establishing himself as an important attacking outlet for the club.

In his first five league appearances of the campaign, the young winger has registered three goals and two assists, underlining his growing influence in the final third and attracting the attention of the Algerian technical team.

His opportunity comes after Bentaleb was forced to withdraw from the squad because of an injury sustained during Lille’s Ligue 1 clash against OGC Nice on Sunday.

Bentaleb started the encounter and played 77 minutes before being replaced by Ngal’ayel Mukau as Lille eventually suffered a 2-1 defeat.

Although Lille head coach Davide Ancelotti did not disclose any injury concerns regarding the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder during his post-match comments, Bentaleb has subsequently been ruled out of Algeria’s upcoming international commitments.

His withdrawal opened the door for Bourabaa, who has now been handed his maiden senior international call-up.

The call-up represents a significant milestone in the youngster’s emerging career. Having impressed at club level with his goals and creativity, Bourabaa will now have the opportunity to train and compete alongside some of Algeria’s established international stars.

For the winger, the timing of the invitation also reflects the rapid progress he has made since stepping into Ligue 1. His three goals and two assists in just five matches have provided a strong platform for his first involvement with the national team.

Bourabaa will now look to make the most of the opportunity and stake his claim for a place in Algeria’s plans beyond the current international window.