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Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez won't be featuring for Algeria until November at the earliest.

The 28-year-old is a key player for his country and recently captained his side during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Mahrez netted in the 95th minute of the semi-final against Nigeria to send Algeria into the final.

Mahrez was instrumental as his nation defeated Senegal to lift the trophy for the first time since 1990.

His excellent form continued on his return to City as he was the star of the show during the 5-0 win against West Ham on the opening weekend of the Premier League .

The first international break of the season is already upon us, just four games into the season, but Mahrez won't be involved.

Algeria will play Benin on Monday, September 9, in a friendly before facing Morocco on Friday, September 20 in the African Nations Championship.

The second-leg against Morocco will take place on Friday, October 18 but Algeria will be without Mahrez again.

This is because the African Nations Championship only involves players who are currently playing in their national league. Therefore, Mahrez is ineligible as he plays in the Premier League.

Algeria have never won the competition - the record winners are DR Congo (2) and Morocco are the current holders of the crown.

His absence will be a massive boost for Pep Guardiola as he looks to keep his first-team players fresh for their title challenge.

The Spaniard has bemoaned the international fixtures in the past, revealing he was "praying" that none of his players came back injured.

He told Man City's website in April: "I pray, pray, that they come back fit.

"They have to go to their national teams, they have to go, enjoy and play for their country, but I hope they can come back fit like they are now.

"Maybe they will go away, score three goals and return with the same rhythm, who knows? I just want them fit and here."

However, City's main title rivals Liverpool will also benefit as Sadio Mane is not able to play for Senegal. The winger won't feature in any internationals, like Mahrez, until the African Cup of Nations qualifiers start on November 11.

Egypt declined to participate in the African Nations Championships so there is an outside chance that Mohamed Salah could be involved for his country if they decide to schedule a friendly in October.