Algeria name FIFA World Cup squad as Bentaleb, Aouar and Gouiri return

ALGIERS: Algeria have named their squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with midfielder Nabil Bentaleb earning a recall alongside returning attackers Houssem Aouar and Amine Gouiri.

Head coach Vladimir Petkovic announced his selection on Sunday ahead of the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Bentaleb, 31, returns to the national side after last featuring for Algeria in October. The midfielder, who represented his country at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, has endured several lengthy absences from the squad but impressed Petkovic with his recent form.

“We know Bentaleb well. He has all the qualities as a person for the group too. He has shown he’s in form these last few months,” Petkovic said.

Aouar and Gouiri have also returned after missing the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco earlier this year due to injury, providing a significant boost to Algeria’s attacking options.

Goalkeeper Oussama Benbot has been recalled despite announcing his international retirement following the Africa Cup of Nations. His return comes as Algeria look to address concerns in the goalkeeping department.

Benbot played a key role in helping USM Alger win the African Confederation Cup this month. Meanwhile, first-choice goalkeeper Luca Zidane has been sidelined since suffering a jaw and chin injury while playing for Granada in April.

Algeria, appearing at their first World Cup in 12 years, will face the Netherlands in Rotterdam on Wednesday before taking on Bolivia in Kansas City on June 10 as part of their preparations.

The North African side have been drawn in Group J alongside defending champions Argentina, Austria and Jordan.