Riyad Mahrez Not Starting For Algeria Against Chipolopolo

Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez isn't likely to start the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier against the Chipolopolo of Zambia on Saturday.

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Algerian Football Federation reported late on Wednesday the last day of the 2017–18 summer transfer window that they had allowed Riyad Mahrez to leave the Greens and travel quickly to Europe in order to complete his transfer to an interested club considered to be Chelsea but the deal failed to materialize to the frustration of the player.

The 2016 African footballer of the year will now rejoin the Desert Foxes less than 24hours to the encounter with Zambia in Lusaka and Coach Lucas Alcaraz is considering another option on the right wing.

Napoli midfielder, Adam Ounas is an option in Mahrez 'Karim' absence but Rachid Ghezzal and Sofiane Hanni could offer experience compared to the 20-year-old.

Algeria must win their last four group matches to stand a chance of making the 2018 Mundial after a poor start with one point to show from a possible six.