Monday 7 November 2016 22:03, UK
Algeria captain Yazid Mansouri has been dropped from the team to face Slovenia in their World Cup opener.
Algeria captain Yazid Mansouri has been dropped from the team to face Slovenia in their World Cup opener on Sunday.
Reports in Algeria suggested the skipper had walked out of Algeria's training camp in protest to the omission, but he was present for practice with the squad on Thursday.
Coach Rabah Saadane told the veteran Lorient midfielder his current form is not good enough to merit inclusion in the side, while Medhi Lacen will take his place in the line-up.
"It was difficult for Mansouri because he is such an important player in this team," said Saadane.
"But I am at the World Cup and I have to make a decision based on tactics and football. He is not in good form at the moment."
Algeria face a difficult draw in Group C, with encounters against England and the United States awaiting them after the Slovenia clash.
