Algeria’s Islam Slimani and Yacine Brahimi doubtful for Iran clash

Yacine BRAHIMI of Algeria challenged by Alexander IWOBI of Nigeria during the Russia 2018 World Cup Qualifier match between Nigeria vs Algeria on November, 12th 2016 at Godswill Akpabio Stadium ©Kabiru Abubakar//Backpagepix

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Mar 24, 2018. 19:30

Algerian attackers Islam Slimani and Yacine Brahimi are doubtful for the North African side’s international friendly against Iran on Tuesday.

The two players missed the Fennec Foxes’ 4-1 win over Tanzania in Algiers on Thursday and assistant coach Djamel Menad admits he is unsure whether they will be available.

“Brahimi and Slimani? I do not think they will be attacking but we'll see by Tuesday,” Menad said in the wake of the win over the East Africans.

“Brahimi's injury is not serious, but it requires rest. Same thing for Slimani but we will see what will happen. For changes, I do not know, we will see with the staff during training.”

Menad added that the match against Iran, who have qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, will be a stern test for the new tactical system deployed against Tanzania.

“[The match against Iran] will be complicated, we know it very well well against a global team, which will be keen to prepare for its World Cup meetings.

“In principle, we will renew the same system of play since we believe that it has given satisfaction today, even if everything was not perfect, we could draw some good positive conclusions.”

Algeria will face Iran in Graz, Austria, with kick-off set for 18h00 CAT.