Rayan Ait-Nouri's international career is on hold, and the terms of any return are not his to set.
Algeria's coaching staff want a formal apology — made publicly, through the media or his own channels — before the left-back pulls on the shirt again. Reports from Algeria, via Sport Witness, frame it as an absolute requirement rather than a courtesy. The aim is to settle the dressing room and make good on the disruption his behaviour is said to have caused.
The episode dates to last Friday, when Algeria faced Zambia. Manager Brahim Hemdani picked Brighton's Jaouen Hadjam at left-back, leaving Ait-Nouri on the bench. Hadjam scored the opener; Zambia equalised shortly before the hour. Hemdani had intended to bring Ait-Nouri on at that stage but shelved the plan after the goal. When Algeria went back in front soon after, the City defender is said to have refused to enter the pitch at all.
His annoyance had been obvious, according to accounts from the camp, with teammates and Hemdani attempting to settle him by the touchline. The fall-out is said to have frustrated players and staff. He left the camp soon after, a departure the national team confirmed. Reports suggest he asked to go, and only got his way after asking more than once.
Algerian outlets have not held back, placing the blame firmly on the 25-year-old. One report claims the decision to let him leave was approved at a meeting that also had the backing of federation president Walid Sadi. Another described him as looking withdrawn and sullen before a ball had even been kicked against Zambia. That is the picture painted back home, fair or not.
For City, the timing is awkward. Ait-Nouri is already scrapping for minutes at left-back, and his only start this season came in the 5-0 Carabao Cup third-round win over Norwich City, where he lasted the full 90 minutes. Outside that, his contribution amounts to one substitute appearance. A public apology may be the price of an Algeria return, but it will not solve the club problem.