Nabil Bentaleb suffers visual setback ahead of Algeria squad announcement

Nabil Bentaleb was forced off at half-time after suffering visual disturbances during Lille’s Champions League meeting with Real Betis, raising concerns over his availability ahead of Algeria’s upcoming squad announcement.

The Algerian international started in midfield for Lille on Tuesday but began feeling unwell towards the end of the first half. He repeatedly communicated with the Lille bench before the interval as his condition became increasingly difficult to manage.

Lille coach Davide Ancelotti confirmed after the match that Bentaleb was experiencing problems with his vision and could not continue playing.

“At halftime, Nabil’s vision wasn’t good and he couldn’t continue. He was already having problems towards the end of the first half,” explained the Lille coach.

Ancelotti also revealed that he had initially asked Bentaleb to remain on the pitch for a few additional minutes, with the intention of avoiding any disruption to Lille’s rhythm before the half-time whistle.

However, the midfielder was unable to return for the second half. He was replaced by Ngal’ayel Mukau, with the substitution made as a precaution following the visual problems he had experienced.

The precise cause of Bentaleb’s visual disturbance has not been specified. His early departure nevertheless provides a concern for Lille, particularly with an important decision regarding his international future approaching.

Bentaleb’s situation comes at a delicate time, with Brahim Hemdani expected to announce his first Algeria squad list soon. The midfielder’s availability for the national team will depend on how his condition develops over the next few days.

For now, his involvement remains uncertain as Lille assess the situation following his premature exit against Real Betis. The club and the player will be hoping the issue does not develop into a more serious setback.

The timing of the problem means Bentaleb now faces a race against time to establish his fitness before Hemdani names his squad. His condition in the coming days will therefore determine whether he remains in contention for a place in the Algeria team.

Bentaleb had started the Champions League encounter as part of Lille’s midfield, but his evening was cut short before the interval after the visual disturbance became too difficult to play through.

His replacement allowed Lille to continue without him after the break, while attention now turns to his recovery and his prospects of being included in the upcoming Algeria squad.