Manchester City defender Rayan Aït-Nouri has been omitted from Algeria's November squad, with national team manager Brahim Hemdani highlighting the importance of regular club football and discipline.
The 25-year-old will miss both Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Togo after a reported disagreement during September's international camp.
Aït-Nouri has also struggled for opportunities under Enzo Maresca, although Hemdani has made clear that a return to the national team remains possible.
Algeria manager explains Aït-Nouri omission
Aït-Nouri's absence follows controversy surrounding Algeria's September meeting with Zambia, when Brighton defender Jaouen Hadjam was selected ahead of him.
Reports alleged that the Manchester City left-back refused to warm up when instructed and subsequently argued with members of the coaching staff and squad.
He later left the international camp, although the full circumstances of the incident have not been independently established.
Speaking about his November selection, Hemdani outlined the standards expected of Algeria internationals.
"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, according to Fennec Football.
Hemdani also identified Hadjam and Borussia Dortmund defender Ramy Bensebaïni as options on the left side of Algeria's defence.
Manchester City playing time creates another problem
Aït-Nouri's limited involvement at Manchester City has further complicated his international prospects.
The defender joined City from Wolverhampton Wanderers in June 2025 but has struggled to secure regular opportunities this season.
Maresca has frequently preferred Nico O'Reilly at left-back, leaving Aït-Nouri without a Premier League appearance.
His last reported competitive outing in September came against Norwich City in the EFL Cup, when he provided two assists.
The lack of consistent football makes it harder for Aït-Nouri to satisfy Hemdani's selection requirements, regardless of whether the reported disciplinary disagreement is resolved.
January transfer could offer fresh opportunity
Despite the omission, Hemdani has not closed the door on an international recall.
"The doors remain open. No one is definitively excluded," he explained.
The decision comes as Algeria prepare for an important qualifying double-header.
The Fennecs lead Group I with four points, one ahead of Togo, and will face their opponents in Tizi Ouzou on 14 November before travelling to Lomé on 17 November.
A January move could potentially provide Aït-Nouri with more playing time, but there is no confirmation that Manchester City intend to sell or loan him.
Key Points
- Aït-Nouri has been omitted from Algeria's November squad.
- Hemdani cited regular club football and respect for team discipline.
- Reports of a September disagreement remain partly unverified.
- The defender has struggled for opportunities under Maresca.
- Algeria face Togo twice in November, with a future recall still possible.
What's Next?
Aït-Nouri will remain at Manchester City during the international break, seeking opportunities to improve his match fitness and playing time.
Algeria, meanwhile, face Togo on 14 and 17 November, with Hadjam and Bensebaïni available to cover the left side of defence.
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