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Algeria have been hit with a serious injury scare ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with goalkeeper Luca Zidane emerging as a major doubt for the tournament.
The Granada goalkeeper, son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, suffered a serious facial injury during a Spanish second division clash against Almeria on Sunday.
Disaster strikes in Segunda División clash
The 27-year-old goalkeeper was forced off the field following a violent collision with Almeria striker Thalys, which initially left him with a concussion.
However, subsequent medical assessments have painted a much bleaker picture for the former Real Madrid player as he prepares for the biggest summer of his career.
Granada confirmed the extent of the damage in an official club statement: “Medical examinations carried out revealed that the goalkeeper also suffered a fracture to his jaw and chin.”
The injury is expected to rule him out for the remainder of the domestic season, leaving his international aspirations up in the air.
World Cup dreams in jeopardy
The timing couldn’t have been worse for Zidane, who has recently established himself as a key figure for the Fennecs.
Algeria are set to begin their World Cup campaign on June 16 against reigning world champions Argentina in Kansas City, leaving the goalkeeper in a race against time to prove his fitness.
Having officially left France for Algeria last year, the Marseille star was “ready to give everything” for the country of his paternal grandparents. Now his participation depends on his speed of recovery and the impending decision for surgery.
Surgery looms for Granada star
Granada and Zidane are currently considering the next steps, with surgery likely to significantly extend his period of absence and almost certainly rule him out of the summer festivities.
The club adds: “The player, in consultation with the club’s medical staff, will decide in the coming hours how to proceed with his injury.”
Petkovic faces goalkeeping headache
Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic will be monitoring the situation closely, as Zidane started four of his country’s five matches at the last African Cup of Nations.
The goalkeeper also played the full 90 minutes in a recent goalless draw against Uruguay, cementing his status as a regular for the national team.
If Zidane fails to recover in time for the trip to North America, Petkovic will have to look elsewhere for experience between the sticks.
For Zidane, who has spent most of his career carving his own path in Spain’s second division, missing out on the world stage would be a cruel blow after finally leaving the shadow of his famous father.
