Luca Zidane picks up injury as Algeria goalkeeping crisis deepens

Algeria’s goalkeeping department has been plunged into further uncertainty after Luca Zidane suffered a worrying head injury, adding to an already growing list of setbacks ahead of the World Cup.

The crisis has been building for weeks, with Anthony Mandrea ruled out of the tournament due to a dislocated shoulder and Melvin Mastel sidelined following surgery for a hernia. Now, Luca Zidane has become the latest name to join the injury list after a frightening incident in Spain over the weekend.

The 26-year-old, who plays for Granada and is the son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, endured a difficult evening during his side’s 4-2 defeat to Almería in Spain’s Segunda División. Things took a more serious turn late in the match when he collided heavily while attempting to clear a cross from Brazilian forward Talles Henrique.

The impact left Zidane visibly shaken, with the game halted for several minutes as medical staff rushed onto the pitch. He reportedly suffered dizziness and bleeding from the mouth before being escorted off the field in the final minute to a standing ovation from concerned supporters. He was replaced by teammate Ander Astragalaga.

Granada coach Pacheta later confirmed that Zidane was immediately taken to hospital for further assessment.

“Luca Zidane was taken to the hospital after the blow he received, as he was feeling dizzy. He will remain under observation and undergo the necessary tests,” the coach stated.

Spanish media reports indicate that the goalkeeper is still under observation, with doctors conducting precautionary checks to rule out any serious complications. His availability for Granada’s upcoming fixture against Zaragoza remains uncertain.

The injury caps a difficult spell for Zidane, who has conceded eight goals in his last two matches. Granada suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Albacete the previous week, with criticism briefly directed at the goalkeeper, although Spanish outlet AS argued that defensive weaknesses were largely responsible for the goals conceded.

Despite the recent setbacks, Zidane remains a key figure in the ongoing debate over Algeria’s number one goalkeeper heading into the World Cup. While his performances have been mixed, he continues to divide opinion among fans, many of whom still compare him unfavourably to veteran Rais M’Bolhi.

Pressure has been a constant companion for the Granada shot-stopper, intensifying with every mistake. However, he had recently earned praise for a composed display in a goalless draw against Uruguay in a friendly, where his calm distribution stood out—an attribute highly valued by national team coach Vladimir Petković.

Algerian media have suggested that Zidane’s latest injury is not expected to jeopardise his World Cup participation, though caution will be key in his recovery given the fragile situation in the goalkeeping department.

With uncertainty also surrounding Oussama Benbout—who recently retired from international football before leaving the door open for a possible return—and potential call-ups for Farid Chaâl and Gaya Merbah, Algeria’s goalkeeping picture remains unsettled.

The North African side face a daunting task in the tournament, drawn in a tough group alongside defending champions Argentina, whom they will meet in their opening match on June 17.