Algeria captain Yazid Mansouri has been dropped from the team for their World Cup opener against Slovenia on Sunday.
Reports in Algeria even suggested Mansouri had walked out of the team's camp in response to the move, but he trained with the squad today.
The veteran Lorient midfielder has been told by coach Rabah Saadane his current form is not good enough to warrant inclusion in the team, and he has been replaced by Medhi Lacen.
'It was difficult for Mansouri because he is such an important player in this team,' Saadane said.
'But I am at the World Cup and I have to make a decision based on tactics and football. He is not in good form at the moment.'
Algeria face an uphill task in Group C, where they will face England and the United States after meeting Slovenia.
