Riyad Mahrez misses Algeria’s defeat to Zambia after heading to Europe on deadline day meaning he missed team’s flight to Lusaka

RIYAD MAHREZ was left red-faced after he missed out on finding a new club, before Algeria were beaten by Zambia.

The 26-year-old was sorely missed by his international team-mates as they lost 3-1 in Lusaka, dealing a huge blow to their World Cup qualification hopes.

PA:Empics Sport

PA:Empics Sport

The skillful forward left the squad on transfer deadline day in order to secure a move away from the club, WITH the permission of the Algerian FA.

A number of clubs saw a potential move for Mahrez as a possibility including Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs – but Spanish giants Barcelona were the favourites.

Leicester’s star man was left stranded in an airport waiting for a transfer bid to come in from his desired club, with Barca being his first choice.

However as the day went on clubs failed to land an accepted bid for Mahrez.

Eventually it was evident that Mahrez would remain a Leicester City player, and the Premier League winner had to make his way back to his Algerian team-mates – but not in time for their trip to Zambia.

Reuters

Reuters

Les Verts and Mahrez were left to regret that decision though as they lost thanks to goals from Zambia’s Brian Mwila and Enock Mwepu despite the fact that midfielder Benson Sakala was sent off for a second bookable offence.

FC Porto’s Yacine Brahimi had given Algeria hope to make it 2-1 but Mwepu’s goal on 88 minutes killed the tie off.

Mahrez will have the chance for revenge though when Zambia travel to Algeria to play at Stade Chahid-Hamlaoui on Tuesday.