By Francis Onyach - Reporter
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Algeria, April 28, 2026 - Algeria’s preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup have suffered a major setback, with first-choice goalkeeper Luca Zidane now a serious doubt after sustaining a jaw fracture during a club match for Granada CF.
The 27-year-old shot-stopper, son of legendary football figure Zinedine Zidane, was forced off after a heavy collision during Granada’s 4-2 defeat to Almería. Initial concerns quickly escalated following medical examinations, which confirmed fractures to both his jaw and chin, along with a concussion.
The injury occurred during an aerial challenge late in the game, where Zidane collided with an opponent while attempting to claim the ball. He was immediately substituted and taken for medical evaluation, with reports later confirming the seriousness of the damage.
Further tests revealed fractures that could require surgery, leaving his short-term and medium-term availability uncertain.
Recovery timelines for such injuries typically range between six to eight weeks, which places his participation in the World Cup in real jeopardy, given how close the tournament is.
Zidane is not just part of the squad, he is currently the first-choice goalkeeper for the Algerian national football team, making his potential absence a major concern.
To make matters worse, Algeria’s depth in goalkeeping is already stretched. Backup options, including Anthony Mandréa and other alternatives, are also dealing with fitness issues, leaving the team in a vulnerable position heading into the tournament.
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Algeria are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign on June 16 against Argentina, one of the tournament favorites, making the situation even more critical.
Luca Zidane has been steadily building his career in Spain, having come through the ranks at Real Madrid before establishing himself with clubs like Eibar and now Granada. He switched international allegiance to Algeria in 2025 and quickly became a key figure in the national setup.
The World Cup was expected to be a defining moment in his career, a chance to step onto the global stage and cement his place as Algeria’s number one.
The immediate decision now lies between Zidane and Granada’s medical team, who must determine the best course of treatment. Surgery could ensure proper healing but would likely rule him out of the World Cup, while a more conservative approach might offer a slim chance of recovery in time, though with risks.
At this stage, his participation remains uncertain rather than impossible, but time is clearly not on his side.