Influential Algeria striker Sofiane Feghouli has asked permission from the Algerian Football Federation to arrive in camp late so he can help his Spanish side Valencia.
All players named in Christian Gourcuff’s final 23-man squad should report to camp on 02 January ahead of the Nations Cup finals.
Feghouli wants to delay his reporting time and play for Valencia against Real Madrid on 04 January at the Mestalla.
But the Algerian Federation might not have a choice, a change made ??in March 2014 and implemented since August 1, says: "For the finals, the players must be released the Monday preceding the week of the competition.
Valencia will therefore use Feghouli against Real Madrid and release the next without necessarily needing the agreement of the Algerian Federation.
Coach Nuno EspÃrito Santo has confirmed the Algerian player will be available and Feghouli would join the national team on 05 January, three days after his teammates had gathered.