Bougherra responds to Belaïli’s absence from Petkovic’s squad! | OneFootball

Bougherra clarifies Belaïli’s absence from the November training camp

Bougherra & Belaïli / @x.com/arobasedzair2/

The absence of star Youcef Belaïli from the Algerian national team squad for the November friendlies, as announced by Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic, has sparked widespread reaction across the sporting world, especially with just weeks to go before the start of AFCON 2025.

Belaïli’s November absence: Bougherra’s reaction

During the local team’s press conference, ahead of two friendlies against Egypt in Cairo, A' team coach Madjid Bougherra made a point of clarifying Belaïli’s situation, stressing that his absence does not mean he’s been dropped from the senior national squad.

“Belaïli is a key player for the senior national team and remains fully part of our plans for the Africa Cup of Nations. His absence from the reserve squad list should not be seen as a permanent exclusion,” Bougherra explained.

He added: “After the FIFA window, we’ll meet with coach Petkovic to finalize the player lists for both the AFCON and the Arab Cup.”

Bougherra also clarified that he hadn’t yet contacted Belaïli directly: “Veterans like Belaïli and Atal belong with the senior squad..”

He concluded: “There’s no issue with Belaïli. He wasn’t called up for this camp, and that’s the coach’s decision. He’s a talented player, and everything will become clear after the official squad announcement.”