National coach Vladimir Petkovic today announced the Algerian national team squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Zimbabwe and Saudi Arabia. These matches, scheduled for this November, serve as crucial preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The 27-man squad represents a blend of experienced players and fresh faces. Notably absent is Esperance Tunis star Youcef Belaili. However, several players return to the fold after missing the previous training camp.
Among the surprises, Borussia Dortmund defender Ilias Benkara receives his first call-up, offering reinforcement to the defensive line. Yacine Titraoui, a midfielder from Royal Charleroi in Belgium, who previously represented the national B team at the 2021 Arab Cup in Qatar, also joins the squad.
Several familiar names make their return, including Ismail Bennacer, the dynamic midfielder from Dinamo Zagreb. Forward Monsef Bakrar rejoins the team after a period of absence. Ramiz Zerrouki, the Twente midfielder, returns following his recovery from injury. Houssem Aouar, the Al-Ittihad star, is also back after missing the October camp due to injury.
Several players who were present in the October camp are absent this time around. These include Amine Chiakha, Kevin Guitoun, Yassine Benzia, Amine Gouiri (due to injury), Nabil Bentaleb, and Badredine Bouanani.
DZWatch will continue to provide updates and analysis on the Algerian national team’s preparations for the upcoming friendlies and the Africa Cup of Nations.
