Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic has confirmed that Bachir Belloumi will be unavailable for Algeria’s upcoming double-header against Togo.

The 24-year-old winger was selected by Brahim Hemdani for the third and fourth qualifying matches for CAN 2027, with Algeria due to host Togo in Tizi Ouzou on 14 November before travelling to Lome for the return fixture on 17 November.

However, Belloumi will not be fit to play in either match because of a muscular problem, Jakirovic said on Saturday ahead of Hull City’s visit to Arsenal in the 10th round of the English championship.

The decision to leave the former Farense player out of Hull City’s squad was taken jointly by the club and Belloumi, with both parties determined not to risk aggravating the injury.

Belloumi is expected to join up with the Algeria squad so the national team’s medical staff can assess his condition. He is thought likely to be sidelined for three weeks.

The winger has made a strong impression during his most recent involvement with Algeria. He earned his first three caps and scored twice, finding the net against Burundi in a 2-2 draw on 29 September during the second round of qualifying, before scoring again in a 2-1 friendly victory over Niger on 6 October.

His absence from the matches against Togo would therefore be a setback for the Fennecs. Anis Hadj Moussa is currently in line to replace Belloumi on the wing.

Jakirovic announced the injury while explaining Belloumi’s absence from the Hull City squad for the trip to Arsenal. The player will still report for international duty, but his involvement with Algeria is expected to be limited to having the injury examined.