Hamdaoui calls up two new names to Algeria squad due to Aït-Nouri crisis

Algerian coach Ibrahim Hamdani has included two new names in the expanded squad for the national team ahead of the upcoming November camp, which is set to start on the 10th of the month. The new additions are central defender Abdel Nour Soualhi, who plays for Dutch club Terstar, and left-back Fahem Ben Aïssa Yahia, who is currently with Italian side Montova.

According to the website 'Ultras Algeria', the call-up of the duo came at the last moment in anticipation of developments regarding Rayan Aït-Nouri, the Manchester City full-back, alongside the coaching staff's desire to review their options in central defense, after being unconvinced by the performances of some players during the previous camp.

Ben Aïssa is being considered as a potential replacement for Rayan Aït-Nouri.

Data in the report indicates that Yahia Ben Aïssa's chances of joining the final list remain limited, despite his name being among the extended options. The coaching staff aims to provide a replacement at left-back in anticipation of Rayan Aït-Nouri's continued absence.

Communications regarding the Manchester City player, according to the same source, have not led to a new agreement to end the ongoing dispute, nor has an official apology been issued by the player so far, which casts significant doubt on his participation in the November camp.

Despite Rayan Aït-Nouri's continued presence in the extended squad, this does not necessarily mean he will return to the national team considerations, as his situation will remain linked to developments that may precede the announcement of the final list.

Swaheli is part of Hamdani's defensive plans.

In contrast, the inclusion of Abdel Nour Soualhi in the expanded squad is linked to Hamdani's desire to broaden his options in central defense, following observations from the coaching staff regarding the performance of certain players during the September camp, including Souhaib Nayer, defender of AS Saint-Étienne, and Achraf Abada, player of CR Belouizdad.

The coaching staff appears to be looking to assess additional alternatives in the backline, aiming to enhance competition for places and prepare for upcoming challenges. However, the inclusion of Soualihe in the expanded squad does not guarantee his presence in the final group.

Reports suggest that Hamdani prefers to maintain group stability without making extensive changes. However, developments regarding Rayan Aït-Nouri, along with the need for additional defensive options, have led to the inclusion of the two new names.

The final picture of the Algeria national team roster is expected to become clear as the training camp approaches on November 10, as Hamdani will finalize the names of the players he will rely on during the upcoming international break.