Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi confirmed on Sunday that Hossam Aouar will participate with his country when he is physically and technically ready, after missing the first squad after the Olympique Lyonnais player announced the choice to represent the "desert warriors".

The 24-year-old previously made one appearance for France in October 2020, but after years of controversy and not joining the France national team, Aouar has changed his nationality this year.

But Aouar was absent from the squad announced by Belmadi ahead of Niger's home-and-away matches on March 23 and 27 in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers scheduled to be held early next year.

"Aouar has a great desire to be with us, he has changed his sports nationality and this is a good thing, his arrival in the first team with France, did not come just like this, at such a level gifts are not given, and this is proof that he is a special player and has potential," Belmadi said at a press conference.

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"Aouar feels that he can do a lot of things with the national team and maybe more than others and he will be with us when he is better physically and returns to his form."

Belmadi supported the squad with several new players, including Bastia right-back Kevin van den Kherkov, Nantes left-back Joan Hajam and Wolves' Ryan Ait Nouri.

The squad also saw the presence of Nice striker Badreddine Bouanani and Toulouse striker Fares Chaibi also featured.

"Fares Chaibi is a multi-positioning player, especially in terms of attack, and his presence with us is important. The two matches against Niger will allow the new players to get to know more about the African atmosphere and gradually integrate with the rest."

Belmadi added that the exclusion of Said Benrahma player West Ham United came as a result of "technical options, I can not call several players active in one position, and the door is open to everyone."

Algeria top Group F in the African qualifiers with 6 points after winning the first two rounds, and an early promotion was included after playing Niger twice in a row.