Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez has been named in Algeria's Africa Cup of Nations squad.
The Algerian FA have indicated to City that Mahrez will be included in their squad for the finals. His departure could come as early as after Saturday's FA Cup tie with Newcastle at the King Power Stadium.
Jeffrey Schlupp could also be named in the Ghana squad and Foxes boss Nigel Pearson told the Leicester Mercury: "We have had confirmation on Riyad but not on Jeff at the moment.
"Newcastle could be Riyad's last game, but again I will probably confirm that nearer the time.
"They have remained in the side during a difficult period where we have tried to play in a way which allows us to be a threat.
"It is difficult against well-established Premier League sides to either shut up shop or play direct. We haven't got the players to play direct football.
"I have had a number of people say to me about simplifying it and going route one. We haven't got the players to do that.
"They are not suited to that style. We play a system that suits us and we are creating opportunities."