The bad news is piling up for Algeria. As the World Cup approaches, which will begin on June 11, the Fennecs are facing a major crisis at the goalkeeper position, between a cascade of injuries and withdrawals.
Vladimir Petković must manage a critical situation in his cages. Behind Luca Zidane, Melvin Mastil, affected by an inguinal hernia, remains uncertain, while Anthony Mandréa has already withdrawn. And now, the number one himself could miss the world meeting.
Exited at the end of the match against Almeria after a violent impact from a corner, Luca Zidane was evacuated to hospital with worrying symptoms. Tests revealed a concussion, as well as a broken jaw and chin, making his rapid return highly unlikely.
Towards a Luca Zidane package?
In a press release, the Andalusian club indicated that two options were being studied: conservative treatment or surgical intervention. But whatever the choice, the recovery times seem incompatible with the World Cup. According to
DZfootsuch an injury requires up to two months of bone consolidation, well beyond the Greens’ schedule.
Unless the situation turns around, Luca Zidane should therefore withdraw from the World Cup. In this context, the name of Osama Benbot comes up insistently. The USM Algiers goalkeeper, who announced his international retirement after CAN 2025 out of frustration, recently opened the door to a return:
“If someone calls on me, I will respond. » To be continued.
