Luca Zidane included in Algeria’s provisional squad for November

Luca Zidane has been named among five goalkeepers provisionally selected by Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani for November, offering the Leganes player a possible route back into the Fennecs squad.

The 28-year-old was left out of Algeria’s most recent gatherings and had appeared to fall down the goalkeeping pecking order. However, his inclusion in Hemdani’s expanded list means he remains eligible for selection, although it does not guarantee a place in the final squad.

According to journalist Samir Kaabouche, the five goalkeepers on the provisional list are Zidane, Melvin Mastil, Abdellatif Ramdane, Rayan Yesli and Rahal.

The decision provides an early indication of Hemdani’s thinking, while also suggesting the Algeria manager has not yet settled on a fixed hierarchy in the position.

Zidane’s prospects had appeared considerably less positive only a few days ago, with the new manager reportedly harbouring doubts about his level. That had raised the possibility of another absence from the November international break.

His suspension has now been served, meaning the Leganes goalkeeper is available again and has the opportunity to persuade Hemdani that he deserves a place in the final selection.

Goalkeeping position remains unresolved

The position continues to be one of Algeria’s main areas of concern. Neither Zidane nor Oussama Benbot provided the expected assurances during CAN 2025 and, in particular, the 2026 World Cup.

Mastil has since made his first official appearances for the Fennecs, but it remains too early to assess whether he can establish himself as Algeria’s long-term number one.

Hemdani therefore appears intent on keeping the competition open rather than deciding on his preferred goalkeeper prematurely.

Zidane, though, is not approaching the November selection in the strongest possible form. He has conceded 14 goals in nine matches in the Spanish second division during a difficult start to the season with Leganes.

The former Granada goalkeeper had been a regular starter but was dropped to the bench for his side’s most recent match, following a run of four successive defeats.

That change in status comes at an awkward time, with the next international gathering only a few weeks away. To return to the Fennecs, Zidane will need to convince Hemdani to maintain faith in him and, ideally, win back his starting place at club level.

Competition from Mastil, Ramdane, Yesli and Rahal means there are no guarantees, particularly while Hemdani continues to consider his options in goal.

The door to the Algeria team is therefore not closed to Zidane, despite the rumours suggesting otherwise. His inclusion in the five-man provisional list is only the first step, with the final decision due when the squad for November is announced.