Rayan Aït-Nouri Released From Algeria Camp After Reported Bench Dispute

Manchester City defender Rayan Aït-Nouri has reportedly been released from Algeria’s national team camp following a reported disagreement during Friday’s 3–1 win over Zambia in Tizi-Ouzou.

Aït-Nouri started the match on the bench and was reportedly asked to warm up several times as the game progressed. However, according to the report, the Manchester City defender refused when he was called to warm up again, leading to a tense exchange on the sidelines.

The incident reportedly required intervention from teammates and members of the coaching staff before the situation was brought under control.

Algeria coach Brahim Hemdani subsequently emphasized the importance of discipline within the national team setup. Aït-Nouri was then released from the camp and is expected to return to Manchester City.

The decision has reportedly divided supporters. While some have backed Hemdani's stance on maintaining discipline, others have questioned the circumstances surrounding the decision, particularly considering Aït-Nouri's limited playing time at club level.

His departure means Aït-Nouri will miss Algeria's upcoming matches against Burundi and Niger, with the defender now set to resume duties with Manchester City.

The reported incident adds an unexpected twist to Algeria's international camp, with further attention likely to focus on the relationship between Aït-Nouri and the national team setup.