Brahim Hemdani has made it clear that Ramiz Zerrouki and Houssem Aouar can return to the Algeria squad, but their previous status will not guarantee them a place.
The new head coach has left both midfielders out of his first squad for the matches against Zambia and Burundi, as well as the friendly against Niger. Their omissions are among the most notable changes in a group missing 12 players who featured at the 2026 World Cup.
Zerrouki started during the tournament, which ended for Algeria in the round of 32, but had a disappointing campaign. Aouar has also been left out as Hemdani begins to reshape the midfield and establish a new cycle for the Fennecs.
However, Hemdani said neither player had been permanently discarded.
The message from the new coach is that reputations built under former manager Vladimir Petkovic no longer guarantee selection. Strong form at club level, though, can give Zerrouki and Aouar a route back into the squad.
“Since the World Cup, many things have happened and several players have retired. That creates an opportunity for young players to take control,” said the former midfielder.
Hemdani’s approach is already reflected in his first selection. Adil Aouchiche has returned to the Algeria squad, while Himad Abdelli and Adem Zorgane have also been included. Their selection provides different options in a midfield where the established order is expected to change significantly.
The inclusion of Nabil Bentaleb is another notable decision. The 31-year-old had been expected by some to be among the players left out alongside Zerrouki, but he has been named in the 26-man squad.
Yacine Titraoui’s injury, which rules him out of this international window, may have affected the selection decision, although Hemdani has not publicly connected the two cases.
The new coach also indicated that he will not assess Algeria’s internationals solely on their performances, setting out his management principles from the outset.
For Zerrouki and Aouar, the situation is therefore not final. But Hemdani’s first squad confirms that the hierarchy from the World Cup will not simply be carried forward. Both players will have to convince the new coach again if they are to regain their places with the Fennecs.