Manchester City defender Rayan Aït-Nouri could return to the Algeria national team if he apologises for his recent conduct and regains regular playing time under Enzo Maresca.
The 25-year-old's international future has been uncertain since a disagreement with Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani during September's international fixtures.
Algeria demand apology after Aït-Nouri incident
According to WinWin, the Algerian Football Federation has established two conditions for Aït-Nouri's return to the national squad.
The first requires the left-back to apologise to his teammates, Hemdani and the coaching staff.
The dispute reportedly began when Hemdani selected Brighton defender Jaouen Hadjam ahead of Aït-Nouri for Algeria's 3-1 victory over Zambia.
Aït-Nouri was initially considered for a substitute appearance, but the manager changed his plans during the match.
Reports claim the Manchester City defender subsequently refused to leave the bench when Algeria regained the lead.
He later withdrew from international duty.
WinWin reports that Aït-Nouri is prepared to apologise, while Algeria's coaching staff are not seeking further disciplinary action.
Manchester City playing time crucial to international comeback
The second condition concerns Aït-Nouri's match fitness and competitive sharpness.
Algeria want the defender to secure regular minutes at Manchester City before returning to international football.
However, opportunities have been limited since his arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2025.
Nico O'Reilly established himself ahead of Aït-Nouri under Pep Guardiola and has maintained that position following Maresca's appointment.
This season, Aït-Nouri has played just 105 minutes across two appearances, including only 15 minutes in the Premier League.
His limited involvement could complicate his international ambitions.
The defender has also recently changed representatives, prompting speculation about a possible January departure if his situation at the Etihad Stadium does not improve.
No transfer agreement or formal offer has been reported.
Key Points
- Algeria have reportedly set two conditions for Rayan Aït-Nouri's international return.
- The defender must apologise to manager Brahim Hemdani, his teammates and coaching staff.
- Algeria also want him to regain regular playing time at Manchester City.
- Aït-Nouri has played only 15 Premier League minutes under Enzo Maresca this season.
- A potential January transfer has been suggested, but no negotiations have been confirmed.
What's Next?
Aït-Nouri must resolve his differences with Algeria's coaching staff and convince Maresca to give him more opportunities. His Manchester City situation could become increasingly important ahead of the January transfer window.
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