Liverpool’s positive start to the season has seen them reach the first international break unbeaten, despite some mixed performances along the way.
The three-week break gives Andoni Iraola time to reflect on his opening months in charge while preparing for a busy run of fixtures.
Liverpool face nine matches in all competitions before the next international break in November. The Reds will need their entire squad to contribute during a demanding period, particularly with Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak both facing injury concerns.
Liverpool are now dealing with a growing injury list ahead of their next game against Manchester City. Meanwhile, City defender Rayan Ait-Nouri has been sent home early from international duty with Algeria, according to a statement from the Algerian Football Federation.
“The national coach, Mr Brahim Hemdani, decided this Saturday to release the player Rayan Ait-Nouri from the current training camp of the national team,” the statement read. “The Algerian international will return to his club, Manchester City.”
Ait-Nouri was an unused substitute in Algeria’s 3-1 win over Zambia on Friday. Footage later appeared to show the defender involved in a disagreement with an Algeria coach, although a teammate intervened to calm the situation.
Algeria secured the victory through goals from Jaouen Hadjam, Ibrahim Maza and Abus Hadj Moussa, despite Fashion Sakala briefly equalising for Zambia.
Ait-Nouri’s omission continues a difficult start to the season at club level. The 25-year-old has racked up just two appearances for Manchester City, starting once in their 5-0 Carabao Cup win over Norwich City, where he provided two assists.
His other appearance came as a late substitute against Porto in the Champions League, when he assisted Erling Haaland’s second goal in a 2-0 victory.
Outside those two appearances, Ait-Nouri has largely remained an unused substitute, with City boss Enzo Maresca preferring centre-back Josko Gvardiol at left-back.
📝 بيان | STATEMENT#LesVerts⭐⭐ | #123vivalAlgérie🇩🇿 pic.twitter.com/XjGbXGxdJp
— Équipe d’Algérie de football (@LesVerts) September 26, 2026
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