Algeria lose Belloumi and Hadjam to injury before crucial Togo qualifiers

Algeria have suffered two injury setbacks before their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying double-header against Togo, with Mohamed Bachir Belloumi and Jaouen Hadjam ruled out of the squad.

The Algerian Football Federation confirmed the absences on Monday, adding to the departure of goalkeeper Abdelatif Ramdane, who left the national team camp after the death of his father.

Algeria manager Ibrahim Hamdani is preparing for two important Group Nine fixtures against Togo on 14 and 17 November. The matches are the third and fourth rounds of the qualifying campaign.

Hadjam, a defender for Brighton, was an unused substitute in his club’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Brentford on Sunday. Belloumi, a forward with Hull City, was not involved in their 1-0 defeat by Arsenal on Saturday.

The Algerian coaching staff have called up Fahem Ben Aissa Yahia from Mantova, who compete in Italy’s second tier, to replace Hadjam.

Rayan Yesli, who plays for Olympique Akbou, was previously selected to take Ramdane’s place in the squad. Ramdane had been excused from international duty following his father’s death.

Algeria currently lead Group Nine with four points from their opening two matches. Zambia and Togo are a point behind on three, while Burundi sit bottom with one point.

The two meetings with Togo will take place as Algeria seek to maintain their position at the top of the group, with the first fixture scheduled for 14 November 2026.