Adem Zorgane faces fresh setback after Union Saint-Gilloise return

Adem Zorgane’s attempt to rebuild his season suffered another setback after the Algeria midfielder was forced off injured and then sent off following Union Saint-Gilloise’s Champions League play-off defeat by Bodø/Glimt.

Zorgane had only recently returned from a two-match absence and was making his first start since recovering from injury. Despite taking part in just one full team training session, he was selected for Wednesday’s second leg, which Union Saint-Gilloise lost 3-2 after extra time.

The 26-year-old made an encouraging start at Lotto Park, showing for the ball between the lines, using possession efficiently and contributing to his side’s work without it. His movement and technical quality helped Union Saint-Gilloise establish greater fluency in midfield.

Zorgane came close to producing a decisive moment in the 54th minute when he played a superb pass into the space behind the Bodø/Glimt defence. Louis Patris reached the ball, but his effort struck the post.

However, the Algeria international began to feel discomfort around the 68th minute. Two minutes later, Union Saint-Gilloise replaced him with Rob Schoofs.

The precise nature of Zorgane’s latest problem is not yet known, and there is no indication of how long he could be unavailable. The timing will be particularly concerning for both the player and the Brussels club, given that he had only just returned to action.

His difficult evening did not end when he left the pitch. Zorgane was also shown a red card after the final whistle during a confrontation involving several Union Saint-Gilloise players and referee Istvan Kovacs.

A number of Union players approached the referee to seek explanations over decisions made during the match. Amid the confusion, Zorgane and Raul Florucz were both dismissed after the game had ended.

As a result, Zorgane could now face two separate setbacks: another period on the sidelines if his injury proves serious, and a European suspension following his sending-off. The midfielder had recently been reported to be attracting interest from Olympiakos.

The latest developments are especially frustrating for a player trying to regain momentum after being left out of Vladimir Petkovic’s Algeria squad for the 2026 World Cup. Zorgane was regarded as one of the prominent omissions from the group selected for the tournament.

He remains one of the most promising Algerian midfielders in his position, combining physical power with passing ability, energy and technical control. His move to Union Saint-Gilloise was intended to provide a platform from which he could relaunch his career at a higher level, following his time with Paradou AC.

Zorgane will now await further information on his physical condition while also facing the possibility of disciplinary action in European competition. After missing the World Cup, he will hope this latest interruption does not delay his return to the forefront once again.