As the countdown begins for Algeria’s upcoming training camp scheduled to start on November 11, 2024, anticipation is building around the selection of players for the national team. Coach Vladimir Petkovic is set to announce the squad during a press conference at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, where he will detail the players called up for matches against Equatorial Guinea on November 14 and Liberia on November 17. This announcement comes at a time when some notable players, such as Hicham Boudaoui and Jaouen Hadjam, will be missing due to injuries, raising questions about who might step in.
Among the players who have been in discussions for a potential return is Youcef Belaili, whose recent performances and club situation have sparked interest. Belaili, currently playing for Espérance Sportive de Tunis, has been the subject of rumors regarding tensions with his club. However, in a recent statement, his father and agent, Hafid Belaili, clarified that Youcef remains in good standing with the team and is fully committed to his role at the club. He emphasized that the player’s primary goal is to re-establish himself at Espérance and secure a spot back in the Algerian national team.
Belaili’s determination to return to the national fold is evident. His father stated, “Youcef aims to make a strong comeback to the national team,” reflecting the player’s aspirations to impress the national coach and regain his place in the squad. While there have been speculations about a possible return to the Algerian league, Hafid Belaili dismissed this notion, insisting that Youcef’s focus is solely on excelling with his current club. This commitment is crucial for Belaili as he seeks to win back the trust of coach Petkovic and contribute to the national team’s success in future competitions.
As Algeria prepares for their matches this month, the possibility of Belaili’s return adds an intriguing dimension to the team’s dynamics. Supporters are eager to see how the selections unfold and whether Belaili can leverage his experiences in Tunisia to earn a call-up, marking a significant step in his journey back to the international stage.
