Algeria squad: Hemdani set to recall Zidane and Bentaleb for Togo qualifiers

Brahim Hemdani is expected to name a 26-man Algeria squad on Thursday for the two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Togo on 14 and 17 November.

The Algeria manager selected 26 players for his first camp and is likely to keep the same squad size, although several changes are anticipated.

Luca Zidane has completed his suspension and is expected 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 goalkeeping group with no clear pecking order.

Oussama Benbot of USM Alger and Rayan Yesli of Akbou have also been monitored, but one of the other three goalkeepers would have to make way.

Goalkeepers expected: Mastil, Ramdane, Zidane.

Rayan Ait-Nouri is likely to remain absent. His disagreement with the coaching staff appears unresolved, while limited playing time at Manchester City makes an immediate recall unlikely. Zineddine Belaid is also under pressure after a disappointing previous camp.

Rafik Belghali is available again after serving a suspension, although his knee injury sustained with Torino means his return depends on medical clearance. Mohamed Azzi, who has impressed for CSKA Moscow, may replace Saadi Radouani after a series of unconvincing displays.

Samir Chergui’s fitness problems have weakened his position, while Rafik Messali must wait for his first call-up after suffering a serious tear. Among the newly shortlisted players, left-back Fahem Benaissa-Yahia appears to have the advantage because of the shortage of options in that position. The other possibility is Yanis Hamache. Abdelnour Soualhia is also pushing for selection but is unlikely to be called up this month.

Defenders expected: Bensebaini, Hadjam, Touba, Nair, Abada, Belghali, Azzi, Benaissa-Yahia.

Nabil Bentaleb was selected in September before withdrawing and should now return to the squad, despite currently being ill. His defensive midfield role and leadership were missed 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 berth despite inconsistent recent performances, while Adil Aouchiche is at risk. A return for Houssem Aouar appears unlikely, and Ramiz Zerrouki, despite being shortlisted and performing well at Twente, may miss out because of competition for places.

Midfielders expected: Bentaleb, Boudaoui, Titraoui, Zorgane, Abdelli, Maza, Chaibi.

Nadhir Benbouali is injured after an excellent run of form with Pyramids and is unavailable. Baghdad Bounedjah was not included in the extended list and is therefore not expected to benefit from Benbouali’s absence.

Mohamed El-Amine Ramdaoui has impressed with USM Alger but is likely to remain with Rafik Saifi’s Algeria under-23 side. With few alternatives, Amin Chiakha and Monsef Bakrar could return despite underwhelming performances in September.

On the wings, Amoura and Boulbina remain the preferred left-sided options, while Hadj Moussa and Belloumi are the leading choices on the right. Fares Ghedjemis, who is improving in Serie A, should also be recalled. Ilyes Hamache has strengthened his case through impressive performances in the Eredivisie and could replace Bakrar.

Forwards expected: Amoura, Gouiri, Hadj Moussa, Belloumi, Ghedjemis, Boulbina, Hamache, Chiakha.