Chaïbi reintegrated, Aït-Nouri sidelined, Mahrez already a leader: the varied weekend of Algerians.

Photo: Algérie360

Farès Chaïbi has regained his form with Eintracht Frankfurt, while Rafik Messali shines at Toulouse. However, Rayan Aït-Nouri has yet to step onto the pitches of the Premier League. Here’s a look at a weekend with varied results, as the November gathering approaches.

The European weekend was favorable for several Algerian internationals, just weeks ahead of the next camp for the Greens. Farès Chaïbi and Rafik Messali delivered strong performances with their clubs. Others, like Rayan Aït-Nouri, are facing a significantly tougher period.

Outside Europe: Riyad Mahrez captains in his debut

Riyad Mahrez made his debut with Al-Shamal on Saturday, playing at Lusail (0-0). Coming on in the 64th minute, the former captain of the Greens immediately took the armband. This match was the 6th of the season in the Qatar Stars League.

At 35 years old, Mahrez joined the Qatari club on a free transfer, with his arrival officially announced on October 14. He reunites with Baghdad Bounedjah, his former teammate in the national team. The winger comes from three seasons with Al-Ahli, where he won two AFC Champions League titles.

Mahrez had ended his international career after the 2026 World Cup. His transfer to Qatar does not impact the situation of the Greens. Nevertheless, it remains on the radar of Algerian supporters.

Farès Chaïbi revitalized at Frankfurt

Starting on Friday night, Farès Chaïbi played a key role in Eintracht Frankfurt's victory over FC Cologne (1-0). The Algerian midfielder was actively involved in the game, although he did not score or assist. His team dominated the match, registering seven shots on target compared to three for the opponent.

This victory was crucial for Adi Hütter, who returned to the Frankfurt bench this summer. A week earlier, his team had suffered a heavy defeat at Leipzig (6-0). The Austrian coach was looking for a reaction, and Chaïbi delivered.

The Algerian midfielder's season had started off difficult. After a physical issue in September, he celebrated his second start of the season in the Bundesliga against Cologne. This serious match puts him back in contention for a starting spot.

Next Saturday, Frankfurt will visit Dortmund, where the Greens' captain, Ramy Bensebaïni, plays. Chaïbi will need to confirm his form there, following a challenging last gathering with the national team. On September 29, he scored an own goal during the draw against Burundi (2-2).

ALSO READ: Burundi – Algeria: heat, timing, pitch… the traps awaiting the Greens in Bujumbura

Rafik Messali getting closer to the Greens

Rafik Messali continues to shine at Toulouse. Starting on the right flank, the 23-year-old defender contributed to his team's convincing victory at Le Mans (0-3). This success, achieved on Friday in the opening match of the 7th round of Ligue 1, confirms his place in the starting eleven.

Having already been part of youth selections, the defender has yet to have the opportunity to play with the senior team. Competition for the right-back position is fierce, especially with the expected return of Rafik Belghali. However, his consistent performances could convince Hemdani, who is looking to rejuvenate the squad.

Farès Ghedjemis seeking performance

Farès Ghedjemis is going through a tough period with Frosinone. Starting against Sassuolo on Friday night, he was not involved in any of his team's four goals (4-2). This victory still allows Frosinone to total four wins in seven rounds of Serie A.

The 24-year-old winger is now on a fifth league match without a goal or assist. His last offensive contribution dates back to his first match of the season in the Coppa Italia. The club has nonetheless renewed its confidence in him by extending his contract until June 2030.

Mohamed Belloumi quiet at Fulham

Starting on the right flank, Mohamed Bachir Belloumi played the entire match in Hull City's defeat against Fulham (1-0) on Saturday. In a match dominated by the Londoners, the Algerian international was disciplined. However, he lacked opportunities to exploit his speed.

This discreet performance contrasts with his role in the national team. On September 29, Belloumi had reignited the Greens in Burundi, just before Adil Boulbina's equalizer. Hull City will host Brentford next Sunday in the Premier League.

ALSO READ: Rayan Aït Nouri excluded from the Greens after his outburst against Zambia

Rayan Aït-Nouri still without minutes in the Premier League

The situation of Rayan Aït-Nouri at Manchester City is becoming concerning. Back in the squad, the left-back watched from the bench as his team won against Ipswich (3-2). After seven rounds, he has yet to play a single minute in the Premier League.

The Citizens, meanwhile, continue their perfect run with seven wins from as many league matches. On Saturday, Enzo Maresca opted to start Nico O'Reilly on the left flank. According to media reports, the Italian coach sees the Algerian more as a winger than as a defender.

His playing time is limited to 105 minutes across all competitions, with three assists. He played a quarter of an hour against Porto in the Champions League, then a full match against Norwich in the League Cup. His last appearance dates back to September 17.

This lack of playing time complicates his return to the national team. Hemdani had excluded him from the September camp after an incident on the bench against Zambia. The FAF has since set a condition for his return.

ALSO READ: Mahrez and Mandi will be present for Hemdani's first match