Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi was shocked by the “buzz” after announcing that he had not called up Manchester City captain Riyad Mahrez to face Uganda and Tanzania in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Belmadi dismissed Mahrez’s absence as “unimportant”, explaining that he had received a report from Manchester City indicating an injury. “The health of the player is the most important thing for me,” he said. We got a report from the club and that was enough for me. ”

Mehrez posted photos of him while on holiday in Marrakech, prompting the Algerian media to ask the national team’s technical staff for clarification about his injury.

“Mehrez didn’t play important games for his club and didn’t finish the last game due to injury,” said Jamal Belmadi, wondering why the integrity of the player is in question.

The Algerian coach has been criticized for not qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and poor results in the latest Africa Cup of Nations.