Arsenal midfielder Ismael Bennacer has been called up to Algeria‘s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations according to reports.

The mirror states that the 19-year-old is a replacement for the injured Saphir Taider who had to withdraw from the Algerian squad.

Bennacer only made his senior debut for Algeria in September, 2017 after switching international allegiance in July.

The former France under-18 international joined Arsenal from Ligue 2 side Arles-Avignon in August 2015 after turning down a move to Manchester City.

Bennacer has made only one senior appearance for Arsenal, appearing in a loss to Sheffield Wednesday in the cup in the 2015/16 season but he is a regular for their U23 team.

Algeria begin their tournament against Zimbabwe on Sunday, 17th, January and possess Premier League stars Riyad Mahrez,Islam Slimani and Adlene Guedioura in their squad.

They also take on Tunisia and Senegal in Group B and are among the favourites for the tournament