Algeria U23 plans hit as Cambuur refuse to release Ichem Ferrah

Ichem Ferrah has been called up to Algeria’s under-23 squad but will not be released by his club, dealing an early complication for head coach Rafik Saïfi ahead of his first selection.

Saïfi is expected to name his inaugural squad list in the coming days as he begins his tenure in charge of the Algeria U23 side.

The group is likely to feature a mix of domestic-based players and those playing abroad, although assembling the squad is already proving challenging.

Clubs are not obliged to release players for youth international duty, and several have shown reluctance to do so.

The situation has already affected players such as Amin Chiakha and Daryll Benlahlou, and Ferrah is now the latest to be impacted.

The 20-year-old winger, who has impressed this season in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, had been included among the players set for selection.

However, his club, SC Cambuur, has opted not to release him during the upcoming international window.

Ferrah is currently on a season-long loan from LOSC Lille and has become a regular presence in Cambuur’s squad.

The Dutch side has decided to retain him for the period between 23 and 31 March, prioritising their domestic campaign.

Cambuur are using the international break to rearrange postponed fixtures, making squad availability a key concern.

As a result, the club has chosen not to allow one of its key players to leave at a crucial stage of the season.

The team currently sits second in the league standings, a position that would secure promotion to the Eredivisie if maintained until the end of the campaign.

Keeping hold of regular starters is therefore considered essential.

Ferrah’s absence is a setback for Algeria U23, particularly given his form this season.

The winger has scored seven goals and provided three assists, emerging as one of the standout performers in his league.

Despite earning a call-up, he will now have to wait for another opportunity to make his debut for Algeria at under-23 level, as club commitments take priority during this international window.