Luca Zidane has been included in Brahim Hemdani’s provisional list for Algeria’s November international camp, giving the Leganes goalkeeper a possible route back into the Fennecs squad.
The 28-year-old was left out of Algeria’s most recent gatherings and had reportedly slipped down the pecking order. However, his inclusion among five shortlisted goalkeepers suggests the door has not been closed, even though it does not guarantee him a place in the final squad.
According to journalist Samir Kaabouche, Hemdani has also provisionally selected Melvin Mastil, Abdellatif Ramdane, Rayan Yesli and Rahal.
The list provides an early indication of the new manager’s thinking, but the final decision will only be known when Algeria’s definitive squad for November is announced.
Zidane’s prospects had appeared considerably weaker only a few days ago, with Hemdani understood to have serious doubts about his level. Those concerns had raised the possibility of another absence from the upcoming camp.
His suspension has now been completed, meaning the goalkeeper is eligible for selection again and has an opportunity to persuade Hemdani that he remains worthy of a place.
Algeria’s goalkeeping position remains unsettled
Goalkeeping continues to be one of the main areas requiring attention for the Algeria manager. Neither Zidane nor Oussama Benbot fully delivered the expected assurances during CAN 2025 and, in particular, the 2026 World Cup.
Mastil has since made his first official appearances for the Fennecs, although it remains too early to determine whether he can establish himself as Algeria’s long-term number one.
Hemdani therefore appears to be keeping the competition open rather than settling on a fixed hierarchy at this stage. The presence of Mastil, Ramdane, Yesli and Rahal means Zidane faces a genuine challenge for selection.
His club form also leaves him with work to do. Zidane has conceded 14 goals in nine matches in Spain’s second division during a difficult start to the season with Leganes.
After beginning the campaign as first choice, the former Granada goalkeeper was dropped to the bench for his side’s most recent match. The decision followed a run of four successive defeats.
That loss of his starting position comes just weeks before the next international gathering. To return to the Fennecs, Zidane will need to regain Hemdani’s confidence and, ideally, reclaim his place in the Leganes team.
His inclusion in the provisional group nevertheless represents a positive development after recent reports suggested his international future was in doubt. It is only an initial step, however, with the final verdict due when Hemdani names Algeria’s squad for November.
