Arsenal youngster Ismael Bennacer has been handed a surprise call-up to the Algeria squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Arsenal youngster Ismael Bennacer has been handed a surprise call-up to the Algeria squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who only made his international debut back in September, is a replacement for the injured Saphir Taider.
Bennacer played at under 18 and under 19 level for France but switched allegiance to Algeria last year, making his debut in an AFCON qualifier against Lesotho.
His call-up for the tournament in Gabon means Bennacer will miss Arsenal’s Under-23 Premier League fixtures against Southampton and Chelsea in the coming weeks.
Bennacer, who moved to Arsenal from French Ligue 2 side Arles-Avignon in August 2015, has made one first-team appearances for the Gunners, in their 3-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup last season.
Algeria kick-off their AFCON campaign against Zimbabwe on Sunday, then face Tunisia four days later. Senegal make up their group.
Source: Arsenal kid Bennacer handed call-up to Algeria Africa Cup squad
