Algeria receive Abdelli boost as Chergui becomes doubt for Niger friendly

Algeria midfielder Himad Abdelli returned to full team training on Saturday, but defender Samir Chergui missed the session ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Niger.

The Algeria squad are preparing for their third and final match of the international break after drawing 2-2 with Burundi in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Fennecs will face Niger at the Hocine-Ait-Ahmed Stadium in Tizi-Ouzou on Tuesday, 6 October, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00. The game will give new manager Brahim Hemdani another opportunity to assess his squad and make further changes after his first two matches in charge.

According to DZ Foot, Abdelli took part in the collective session at the Centre technique national de Sidi Moussa after previously training indoors.

The Angers SCO midfielder was affected during the trip to Burundi and had been restricted to gym work in the previous session. His return to training with his team-mates is therefore a positive indication and increases the likelihood of him being available against Niger.

That development will be welcomed by Hemdani as he continues to review his options during his first international window as Algeria manager.

Chergui’s position is less certain. The Paris FC defender was the only member of the squad not to join the group session, which began at 18:00 on Saturday, according to DZ Foot.

The full-back endured a difficult evening against Burundi, where he was troubled by the dribbling of Jean-Claude Girumugisha. His involvement in the friendly against Niger is now in doubt.

Chergui instead completed an individual programme under the supervision of fitness coach Nasser Daineche. Algeria have not officially announced that he is ruled out, however, and his condition will be monitored during the final training session before the match.

The fixture in Tizi-Ouzou will be Algeria’s last outing before the end of the current camp. It is expected to allow Hemdani to give playing time to several players who have so far featured only sparingly.