Arsenal youngster Ismael Bennacer has been handed a surprise late call-up to the Algeria squad for the African Cup of Nations.
As reported by the Mirror, the youngster, who made his senior debut for Algeria back in September, will join up with the squad after former Inter Milan midfielder Saphir Taider withdrew with injury.
The youngster will join the likes of Leicester City team-mates Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani as well as on-loan Tottenham midfielder Nabil Bentaleb in the Algerian squad.
Bennacer, originally born in France, changed alliances despite featuring for the French U16s and U17s. He made his Algeria debut during a 6-0 win over Lesotho in a qualifier for the African Cup of Nations.
The 19-year-old has made just one appearance for Arsenal’s senior side, he came off the bench in last season’s defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.
Algeria are set to face Zimbabwe in their group opener on Sunday before facing Tunisia and Senegal to finish their Group B fixtures.
