Rayan Ait-Nouri dropped from Algeria squad after reported disagreement with coaching staff

Manchester City defender Rayan Ait-Nouri has been left out of Algeria’s 26-man squad for their November Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Togo following a reported disagreement with head coach Brahim Hemdani during the previous international break.

The 25-year-old left-back is among the notable absentees from Algeria’s latest selection after tensions emerged during September’s 3-1 victory over Zambia.

According to Sport Witness, citing Fennec Football, Hemdani was unhappy with Ait-Nouri’s behaviour after an incident involving the coaching staff and teammates during the match.

The Algeria manager had initially considered introducing the Manchester City defender from the bench but reportedly changed his mind following Zambia’s equaliser.

After Algeria regained the lead, Ait-Nouri allegedly refused to come on and became involved in an argument with members of the technical team and some teammates.

The defender subsequently requested permission to leave the national team camp and was allowed to return to his club.

Explaining his selection criteria, Hemdani highlighted two important requirements for representing the national team.

“There are two essential conditions for making the Algerian national team: playing regularly for his club and respecting the clearly defined team structure,” he said.

However, the manager insisted that Ait-Nouri’s international future remains open.

“The decision made regarding Aït-Nouri is logical in the current context, but the doors remain open. No one is definitively excluded,” Hemdani added.

“We continue to monitor him. I know what this player has brought to Algeria, but not calling him up remains, above all, a tactical decision.”

Difficult spell at Manchester City

Ait-Nouri’s omission comes amid a challenging period at Manchester City, where the defender has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in June 2025.

The Algerian has made just four appearances in all competitions this season, accumulating approximately 168 minutes of playing time.

Most of those minutes have come in the EFL Cup, while he is yet to make a Premier League appearance under Enzo Maresca.

His limited club involvement has further complicated his international situation, particularly given Hemdani’s emphasis on regular playing time as a requirement for selection.

Algeria prepare for double-header against Togo

Algeria will face Togo twice during the November international window as they continue their qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Desert Foxes will host Togo on November 14 before travelling to Lomé for the return encounter on November 17.

Algeria currently lead Group I with four points from their opening two matches, while Togo are also firmly in contention for qualification.

Ait-Nouri will therefore miss both encounters as he looks to resolve his situation and regain regular playing time at Manchester City.

Despite his absence, Hemdani has made it clear that the defender has not been permanently excluded from the national team.