Algeria national team: the outlines of Hemdani's selection are beginning to take shape.

Hemdani has nearly finalized his selection

According to the media outlet El-Khabar, the coaching staff has already determined most of its choices. Only a few details remain to be settled, particularly concerning the trio of goalkeepers, an area where the hierarchy has been uncertain since the arrival of the new coach.

Another point of uncertainty concerns the physical condition of some players. Rafik Belghali is at the top of these uncertainties. The Torino full-back was expected to rejoin the team after serving his suspension related to the last AFCON in Morocco. However, an injury sustained with his Italian club complicates matters: the staff is awaiting the results of examinations and a definitive diagnosis before making a decision.

Goalkeepers, the last challenge for the Algerian selection

The situation regarding goalkeepers is generating debate. Although Luca Zidane has been released from his suspension, the goalkeeper lacks playing time at Leganés in Spain. This lack of competition could work against him in the final decisions. His exclusion would not be unprecedented, as he had already been left out of the first list revealed by the coach in September.

On the other hand, Oussama Benbot is making a comeback. The goalkeeper left a positive impression on Antar Yahia, the assistant who observed the match between USM Alger and CS Constantine from the stands. This observation confirms the staff's interest in players from the national league.

Bentaleb, Boudaoui, and Titraoui among the expected returns

Several players absent from the last gathering are expected to return. The names of Nabil Bentaleb, Yacine Titraoui, Hicham Boudaoui, and Nadir Benbouali are frequently mentioned. The Lille midfielder missed the September window due to an injury sustained a few days before the camp.

Departures are also anticipated. Zineddine Belaïd and Moncef Bakrar are among the players likely to be excluded, as part of the adjustments desired by the staff ahead of this deadline. Nothing is official yet until the coach has made a public announcement.

The defense, a priority for the Greens

The defensive sector continues to raise many questions. Four goals conceded in three matches, including a disappointing draw in Burundi, have prompted the staff to broaden its search in Europe. Two players have been identified: Abdenour Soualhia and Fahem Benaissa-Yahia are on the coach's lists.

The stated objective is clear: to stimulate competition in defense and stabilize a partnership that has never really reassured since the arrival of the new staff. The answer will come on Thursday in Baraki when the 25 or 26 selected players will finally be revealed.

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