MANCHESTER CITY star Rayan Ait-Nouri has been sent home from international duty following an apparent bust-up with an Algeria coach.
The defender was released from the national team camp after footage emerged appearing to show him angrily confronting a member of the coaching staff.
Ait-Nouri, 25, was an unused substitute as Algeria beat Zambia 3-1 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday.
But the former Wolves star appeared furious at being left on the bench and was filmed remonstrating with a coach as a team-mate attempted to calm him down.
The Algerian Football Federation subsequently confirmed Ait-Nouri had been released from the squad and would return to Manchester City.
A statement read: “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 Algerian international will return to his club, Manchester City.”
Algeria managed perfectly well without Ait-Nouri as they secured all three points thanks to goals from Jaouen Hadjam, Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj Moussa.
Hadjam handed his country a dream start by scoring after just two minutes before Zambia star Fashion Sakala levelled in the 57th minute.
But Algeria responded emphatically as Maza and Hadj Moussa struck within seven minutes of each other to seal a 3-1 victory.
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Ait-Nouri’s international frustration comes amid a difficult start to the season at the Etihad.
The left-back has made just two appearances for City this term with only one of those coming from the start.
That was in City’s thumping 5-0 Carabao Cup victory over Norwich when Ait-Nouri provided two assists.
His only other appearance came during a 15-minute Champions League cameo against Porto.
Despite his limited minutes, Ait-Nouri still managed to set up Erling Haaland‘s second goal as City secured a 2-0 win.
But City boss Enzo Maresca has predominantly preferred natural centre-back Josko Gvardiol on the left side of his defence.
Ait-Nouri’s lack of game time comes after Manchester United reportedly made a stunning deadline-day enquiry about signing him from their bitter rivals.
But City swiftly rejected the approach and kept hold of the Algeria international.
Ait-Nouri will now return to Manchester earlier than expected following his premature departure from the Algeria camp.