Rayan Ait-Nouri’s return to the Algeria squad appears unlikely for now after his acrimonious departure from the team’s latest training camp.
The left-back left following a dispute with head coach Brahim Hemdani, as Algeria went on to beat Zambia 3-1 on 25 September in their opening match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
According to Winwin, a return could be possible if Ait-Nouri satisfies two key conditions as part of an amicable resolution being explored.
The first is for the defender to apologise to both the technical staff and Algeria supporters.
That step appears to be progressing. Winwin reports that Ait-Nouri is prepared to make the apology while the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) attempts to resolve the dispute and re-establish a calm working environment for the coaching staff.
The technical staff are also said to be willing to accept Ait-Nouri’s apology, which could help ease the tension surrounding his departure.
The second condition is more difficult and is not entirely within the player’s control: he must regain regular playing time and consistency with Manchester City.
Ait-Nouri has struggled for opportunities since Enzo Maresca arrived as manager at the end of June. The Montreuil-born player has made only two appearances this season, starting one match and playing a total of 105 minutes.
He has yet to feature in the English league and was left out of the Manchester City squad for Sunday’s sixth Premier League fixture against Liverpool, a match Liverpool won 3-0.
That lack of football leaves Ait-Nouri facing a race against time to change the situation before Hemdani names his next Algeria squad for November’s matches.
The Fennecs are due to play Togo twice in the third and fourth rounds of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. The first match will take place in Tizi-Ouzou on 14 November, followed by the return fixture in Lome on 17 November.
Until then, Ait-Nouri must both repair his relationship with the Algeria set-up and find a more consistent role at Manchester City if he is to put himself back in contention.