Algeria have called up Mantova player Fahem Benaissa-Yahia for the first time after Bachir Belloumi and Jaouen Hadjam withdrew from the squad for the two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Togo.

The two matches will be played on 14 and 17 November, with Algeria hosting the third and fourth rounds of qualification. Their absences were confirmed by the Federation Algerienne de Football (FAF) on Monday, as the Fennecs began their latest training camp.

Belloumi’s withdrawal had been expected after his Hull City manager, Sergej Jakirovic, announced over the weekend that the player would not be fit for international duty.

Hadjam has also been ruled out after arriving at Algeria’s Centre Technique National in Sidi Moussa to have his injury assessed. Both players are expected to return to their respective clubs to continue their treatment.

Hadjam had been set to continue at left-back in the absence of Rayan Ait-Nouri. The latter was sanctioned after refusing to apologise following his altercation with Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani.

Benaissa-Yahia, 24, has been added to the squad as Hadjam’s numerical replacement. His inclusion had been reported by several sources, including journalist Samir Kaabouche, before the FAF confirmed the change.

The player, who was born in Chalons-en-Champagne, receives his first senior Algeria call-up. His arrival does not mean he will necessarily go straight into the starting line-up for either match.

There is also uncertainty over goalkeeper Abdelatif Ramdane’s availability. He is grieving the death of his father and could also withdraw from the squad.

Algeria’s double-header with Togo forms part of their campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.