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Algeria has been hit by a major 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 in Second Division clash
The 27-year-old goalkeeper was forced to leave the field after a strong collision with AlmerÃa forward 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 most important summer of his career.
Granada confirmed the extent of the damage in an official club statement, which said: “Medical examinations carried out have revealed that the goalkeeper has 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 hanging by a thread.
World Cup dreams in danger
The timing couldn’t have been worse for Zidane, who has recently established himself as a key figure for the Fennecs.
Algeria are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign on June 16 against reigning world champions Argentina in Kansas City, leaving the goalkeeper with a race against time to prove his fitness.
Having officially switched allegiance from France to Algeria last year, the Marseille-born star was “ready to give everything” for the country of her paternal grandparents. Now, his participation depends on his speed of recovery and an imminent decision on surgical intervention.
Surgery stalks the Granada star
Granada and Zidane are currently weighing up next steps, with the surgery likely to significantly extend his period out and almost certainly rule him out of the summer festivities.
The club added: “The player, after consulting with the club’s medical team, will decide in the next few hours the treatment to follow for his injury.”
Petkovic faces goalkeeper headache
Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic will be monitoring the situation closely as Zidane started four of the country’s five matches during 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 starter for the national team.
If Zidane fails to recover in time for the trip to North America, Petkovic will have to seek experience between the sticks elsewhere.
For Zidane, who has spent most of his career forging his own path in Spain’s second division, missing out on the world stage would be a cruel blow after finally stepping out of the shadow of his famous father.
