Riyad Mahrez is heading back to Manchester City sooner than expected after Algeria's shock early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 30-year-old told supporters before the tournament that reigning champions Algeria were set to go deep into the competition.
However, a 0-0 draw with Sierra Leone and a shock 1-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea left Algeria on the brink heading into their hardest game of the group stage against Ivory Coast.
Only a win would see Algeria through to the last 16 but found themselves 2-0 down at half-time without putting a glove on Ivory Coast. Nicolas Pepe curled home a third after the break to effectively end the game as a contest.
Mahrez even had time to hit the post from the penalty spot to compound his and Algeria's misery. Sofiane Bendebka eventually nodded home a consolation for the holders. but it was too little too late.
Alongside his teammates, Mahrez will now travel back to his domestic club following the defeat in Douala.
The Man City star could theoretically be in contention on Saturday in the Premier League against Southampton.
However, a long haul flight two days before the fixture could make this unlikely.
A much more realistic return date would be Saturday, February 5 when City face Fulham in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
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