Brahim Hemdani’s first Algeria squad has been reduced to 22 players after Anis Hadj Moussa and Adem Zorgane were released from international duty because of injury.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) confirmed the two withdrawals on Friday, with the Fennecs due to complete their current FIFA international window against Niger.
Hadj Moussa sustained what the FAF described as a “slight injury” during Algeria’s 3-1 victory over Zambia in the opening round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The winger came off the bench and scored in that match, but the injury ruled him out of Tuesday’s second-round fixture against Burundi, which ended 2-2.
Zorgane was injured during the game in Burundi. The midfielder had come on shortly before half-time after Himad Abdelli was forced off, but he will now miss Algeria’s final match of the international period.
The pair are the latest additions to an already lengthy list of absentees. Nabil Bentaleb withdrew shortly after Hemdani’s squad was announced, while Amine Gouiri suffered an injury during the win against Zambia. Rayan Ait-Nouri was subsequently removed from the group for disciplinary reasons.
There is also uncertainty over Abdelli’s condition. He was seen on crutches after the match against Burundi, although he remains with his team-mates for now.
Hemdani originally selected 26 players for the camp, but only 22 remain. Bentaleb is the sole player to have been replaced, leaving the new Algeria manager with fewer options as he prepares for the friendly against Niger on Tuesday 6 October in Tizi Ouzou.
Algeria facing a reshaped line-up
The Fennecs will be expected to show improvement against Mena after a difficult start in Burundi, where they quickly found themselves 2-0 behind before recovering to draw.
Hemdani will have to oversee that response without several experienced players. Aissa Mandi and Riyad Mahrez have retired from international football, while Luca Zidane and Rafik Belghali were not selected for this gathering because they are suspended.
As a result, Algeria are set to field a significantly changed team for the meeting with Niger, with the latest injuries further limiting the squad available to Hemdani.