Rayan Ait-Nouri has been sent home early from international duty with Algeria.
The decision was confirmed in a statement by the Algerian Football Federation.
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“The national coach, Mr Brahim Hemdani, decided this Saturday to release the player Rayan Ait-Nouri from the current training camp of the national team,” the statement read.
“The Algerian international will return to his club, Manchester City.”
Algeria’s decision to release Ait-Nouri ahead of schedule comes after footage emerged of the City star cutting a frustrated figure on the bench.
Ait-Nouri was an unused substitute during Algeria’s 3-1 win over Zambia on Friday.
Footage of Ait-Nouri on Algeria’s bench emerges
But it appeared the defender was not pleased he didn’t get any game time.
In a clip shared on social media, Ait-Nouri appeared to argue with an Algeria coach while a teammate attempted to calm down the situation.
Ultimately Algeria did not need the City player on the pitch as goals from Abus Hadj Moussa, Ibrahim Maza and Jaouen Hadjam did the business.
Hadjam got Algeria off to a dream start with a goal in the second minute, only for Zambia’s Fashion Sakala to equalise in the 57th minute.
But Algeria flexed their muscles as Maza and Hadj Moussa both struck in the span of seven minutes to secure all three points in their Africa Cup of Nations qualification clash.
As for Ait-Nouri, his benching continued what has already been a difficult season on an individual basis.
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How has Ait-Nouri performed this season?
The 25-year-old has made just two appearances for City this term, only one of which was a start.
That came in City’s 5-0 Carabao Cup win over Norwich City, where he contributed two assists.
Ait-Nouri’s only other appearance was a 15-minute cameo against Porto in the Champions League.
Despite his limited time on the field, Ait-Nouri managed to assist Erling Haaland’s second goal as City ran out 2-0 winners.
Outside of those two appearances, Ait-Nouri has predominantly been an unused substitute.
Instead, City boss Enzo Maresca has preferred Josko Gvardiol, a centre-back by trade, at left-back.
talkSPORT understands Manchester United made an audacious deadline day enquiry to sign him, however, this was flatly rejected by City.
