Luca Zidane to Miss Friendly Matches Due to Injury

The Algerian national football team has encountered a significant setback ahead of the November international break, as goalkeeper Luca Zidane has been ruled out of two friendly matches against Zimbabwe on Thursday and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, November 18, due to a hamstring injury.

The Algerian Football Federation confirmed in an official statement that the 27-year-old player will leave the national team's camp following a decision by the coaching staff, led by Vladimir Petkovic, to prioritize his health. Zidane recently made his debut for Algeria last month after switching his sporting nationality, playing his first match against Uganda.

To fill the gap left by Zidane's absence, Petkovic has called up Zakaria Bahloul, the goalkeeper from CR Belouizdad, who joined his teammates on Wednesday evening. The Algerian national team is currently preparing for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they will begin their campaign against Sudan on December 24, followed by matches against Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea. Additionally, the team, featuring Riyad Mahrez, has recently qualified for the 2026 World Cup.