Algeria manager Djamel Belmadi has picked an experimental squad for the upcoming matches against Gambia and Tunisia.

The star name of course in the squad is Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez. Belmadi has opted to try some new players, with the Desert Foxes already qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Brentford winger Said Benrahma has been called up after impressing in the English Championship. However, goalkeeper Rais M’Bolhi is left out due to injury. 

Victor Lekhal is called up for the first time ever after switching allegiance from France to Algeria. Faouzi Ghoulam, Nabil Bentaleb and Yacine Brahimi are all not included in the 26-man list.

Five players have been picked from the Algerian League, including three from Paradou. One of those is the top scorer in the league; Zakaria Naidji. Saphir Taider is called up from the MLS after scoring two goals in two matches for Montreal Impact.

Sofiane Feghouli is picked as a central midfielder. Baghdad Bounedjah is expected to be the main striker for Algeria. There is no Sofiane Hanni or Ryad Boudebouz. Aissa Mandi returns to the defence.