Ghedjemis strengthens Algeria claim as Belghali injury raises selection concern

Brahim Hemdani has received contrasting news from Italy ahead of naming his second Algeria squad, with Fares Ghedjemis continuing his excellent form for Frosinone while Rafik Belghali left the pitch injured.

The developments come two weeks before Algeria’s double-header against Togo on 14 and 17 November in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and the two players could now face very different prospects when the Fennecs meet.

Ghedjemis followed his outstanding display against Atalanta with another decisive contribution in Frosinone’s 2-0 win over Torino. After providing three assists in a thrilling 4-4 draw a week earlier, the 24-year-old scored his first Serie A goal three minutes after half-time.

The right winger exchanged passes with Giorgi Kvernadze before opening the scoring with a left-footed finish. He now has one goal and three assists across his past two matches.

His performance against Atalanta had already made history, as he became the first Frosinone player to set up three different team-mates in the same Serie A match. Rated 7 by La Gazzetta dello Sport, he remained dangerous after the interval and was praised in the Italian media for his unpredictability.

“He can always invent something,” was one assessment of the Algeria international.

Frosinone, promoted this season, are sixth in the table with 20 points from 10 matches. That is the same tally Juventus recorded after 10 games during their return to Serie A in 2007-08, and Ghedjemis has played a significant role in the club’s impressive start.

The former Serie B player contributed 15 goals and three assists to Frosinone’s promotion last season. His pace and direct running have also suited the football demanded by coach Massimiliano Alvini.

Already included in Hemdani’s extended squad, Ghedjemis is strengthening his case for selection against Togo. Competition for wide positions remains strong, with Bachir Belloumi and Anis Hadj Moussa also in contention, but his current efficiency gives him added momentum.

Belghali’s situation is less encouraging. The Algeria full-back produced a promising performance against Torino and received a rating of 6.5 from the Italian newspaper. He was described as a “valuable source of play” in the first half, although his influence diminished after he was moved to the left.

He was withdrawn while limping around the 70th minute. The nature of the injury is not yet known, with medical examinations required to establish whether he will be available during the international window.

The timing is particularly unfortunate because Belghali had been suspended by the Confederation of African Football following incidents involving Nigeria at the last Africa Cup of Nations. He missed Algeria’s opening two qualifying matches but has now completed his ban and was expected to return to the side and challenge for a place in Hemdani’s starting XI.

Algeria have alternatives, although none is an obvious replacement. Saadi Radouani failed to convince during the previous camp, while Akim Zedadka has lacked consistency at international level. Rafik Messali, also preselected, is sidelined with a thigh tear and is expected to be out for about two months.

Kelyann Bezahaf has impressed in his early appearances for OM, but an senior-team call-up may come too soon. Mohamed Azzi is attracting greater attention after moving to CSKA Moscow, having been named Dynamo Makhachkala’s best player last season. The 24-year-old, formerly of CR Belouizdad, offers experience and an attacking profile and is among the names being discussed for November.

Samir Chergui and Achraf Abada can also cover at right-back, while Ahmed Touba would provide a more defensive option. Hemdani’s decision is likely to depend partly on the system he chooses.

While Ghedjemis is increasing competition on the wings, Belghali’s fitness concern could force Algeria’s manager to rethink his plans in a position that remains unsettled.