Yacine Adli could be included in Algeria’s extended squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Togo, according to El Heddaf TV.

The 26-year-old Al-Shabab midfielder is said to have been included in Brahim Hemdani’s provisional plans for the two matches, with Algeria hosting Togo in Tizi-Ouzou on 14 November before travelling to Lome for the return fixture on 17 November.

The games are scheduled to be Algeria’s third and fourth qualifying matches for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The report has not been confirmed and should be treated cautiously, but it has already prompted strong criticism from sections of the Algerian football community.

Football specialist Farid Boussalem was among those to react angrily, posting a strongly worded message on social media over the possibility of Adli returning to the national team picture.

Adli’s relationship with Algeria supporters deteriorated in March 2024. At the time, he was attracting attention with AC Milan and had been courted by the Fennecs, but chose France instead.

The midfielder represented France from Under-16 level through to Under-20 level and explained his decision by saying he wanted to “play at the highest level”.

That decision upset many Algerian fans, who felt their national team had been dismissed or even disparaged. Supporters strongly rejected the prospect of the former Paris Saint-Germain academy player changing his mind, while Adli also ruled out such a move.

The situation appeared to be settled, but circumstances changed after Adli’s unsuccessful loan spell at Fiorentina. A year later, he left Lombardy permanently for Saudi Arabia.

Despite his move, then France manager Didier Deschamps did not select him.

In May, one month before the start of the 2026 World Cup, Adli unexpectedly apologised and said he would be willing to join Algeria if Vladimir Petkovic, who was in charge of the coaching staff at the time, decided to select him.

That approach did not lead to a call-up. According to reports, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) rejected the possibility, while supporters also appeared unwilling to see Adli involved with the team again.

The matter seemed to have brought the episode to an end. However, the latest claim has reopened the debate and could indicate that the FAF has forgiven the player.

There is still no guarantee that Adli will be included in the final squad. If the report is confirmed, though, the federation would face the task of calming supporters who have not forgotten his decision to represent France.