Algerian national team coach Vladimir Petkovic has provided clarification regarding the surprise omission of experienced right-back Mitchell Weiser from the squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea and Liberia.
On Thursday, Petkovic announced the list of 26 players selected for the final two matchdays of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
While the inclusion of young striker Amin Chiakha, an 18-year-old former Danish U19 international, was expected, the absence of Weiser raised eyebrows.
The 30-year-old Werder Bremen player, who switched his international allegiance to Algeria after playing for Germany at various youth levels, was notably left out despite previous reports suggesting he had received a call-up.
Petkovic, who has previously followed Weiser’s career closely in Germany, addressed questions from the press about the decision.
He explained that while Weiser remains part of his long-term plans, he opted to explore other options for this particular set of fixtures.
“Weiser is a well-known player, whom I have already followed in Germany.
He is an experienced player, and he is part of our plans,” Petkovic stated. “We will continue to follow Weiser closely, and the doors of the national team will always remain open to him.
However, for the moment, I have chosen other options.”
Despite the coach’s reassurances, the omission of Weiser from the squad came as a surprise, especially after Werder Bremen’s sporting director, Peter Niemeyer, had confirmed the player was in line for a call-up.
As a triple German champion with Bayern Munich, Weiser’s experience is seen as valuable by many, yet Petkovic’s decision reflects his current preference for other tactical choices.
Petkovic did not provide further details on which players he plans to use in place of Weiser but emphasized that the decision was not permanent.
The coach suggested that the versatile full-back could still be a part of the team moving forward, with the possibility of his return being evaluated after the upcoming qualifiers.
Fans and observers will now have to wait until at least the March 2025 international break for a potential recall for Weiser, as Petkovic continues to shape his squad for future competitions.
