Wounded Algeria have been handed a lift with the availability of striker Riyad Mahrez for Tuesday night’s must-win 2018 FIFA World Cup Group B clash against Zambia in Constantine.
Mahrez joined The Fennecs camp on Sunday in Constantine as Algeria headed back home from Zambia following Saturday’s 3-1 away loss in Lusaka.
The want-away Leicester City striker missed the first leg after leaving camp on the eve of Algeria’s departure for Lusaka to try and secure a last-minute move to Chelsea that collapsed during August 31 FIFA international summer transfer deadline.
Meanwhile, Algerian media reports state that Mahrez had a lengthy meeting with Algeria coach Lucas Alcaraz over his absence but no details of what was discussed has been made public.
Alcaraz has been reluctant to officially comment on Mahrez absence before and after the away game against Zambia.
Algeria are rooted to the bottom of Group B on 1 point at the halfway point of the Africa zone 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after three rounds of games played.
They are three points behind Zambia and one adrift of 3rd placed Cameroon.
Nigeria, who visit Cameroon on Monday in Yaounde, lead Group B on maximum 9 points following last Friday’s 4-0 home win over the Indomitable Lions at Uyo.
