Midfielder Nabil Bentaleb has been ruled out of Algeria’s final World Cup qualifier against Nigeria in Constantine on Friday.
The Schalke 04 star was handed a call-up by new manager Rabah Madjer despite carrying a groin injury which has sidelined him for the past two weeks.
After sitting out the first two days of training with the national team, Bentaleb participated in the Fennec Foxes’ group training on Wednesday at the Stade Hamlaoui and looked to be in further pains thereafter.
A decision was reached after the Tottenham Hotspur product was examined by team doctor Ali Yekdah on Thursday evening, prompting Madjer to release the left-footed central midfielder to his German club to continue his treatment.
Bentaleb will now miss Friday’s game against Nigeria and next week’s friendly encounter against the Central Africa Republic and joins Napoli left back Faozi Ghoulam on the sidelines.
Bentaleb scored Algeria’s only goal when they last met Nigeria about a year ago in Uyo, a 3-1 victory for the Super Eagles.
