Luca Zidane’s hopes of returning to the Algeria squad have been revived after he was included in Brahim Hemdani’s provisional list for November, although his place in the final selection remains far from certain.

The 28-year-old Leganes goalkeeper was left out of Algeria’s most recent camps and had reportedly fallen down the pecking order. However, his suspension has now been served, making him eligible again and giving him an opportunity to persuade Hemdani that he should be involved.

According to journalist Samir Kaabouche, Hemdani has shortlisted five goalkeepers: Zidane, Melvin Mastil, Abdellatif Ramdane, Rayan Yesli and Rahal.

The provisional selection offers an early indication of the new coach’s thinking, but it does not guarantee any of the five a place in the final squad.

Zidane’s inclusion comes after a period in which his prospects appeared to have weakened considerably. Hemdani was understood to have serious doubts about his level, raising the possibility that the goalkeeper would again miss the November international window.

Algeria’s goalkeeping position remains open

The position remains one of the main areas Hemdani must resolve. Neither Zidane nor Oussama Benbot provided the expected assurances during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and, in particular, the 2026 World Cup.

Mastil has since made his first official appearances for Algeria. However, it is still too early to decide whether he can establish himself as the team’s long-term first choice.

Hemdani therefore appears intent on keeping the competition open rather than settling on a fixed hierarchy prematurely.

Zidane’s club form, though, does not strengthen his case. He has conceded 14 goals in nine matches in the Spanish second division with Leganes, enduring a difficult start to the season.

The former Granada goalkeeper had been a regular starter but was dropped to the bench for Leganes’ most recent match after the club suffered four consecutive defeats.

That setback comes only a few weeks before the next international camp. To return to the Fennecs, Zidane will need to regain Hemdani’s confidence and, ideally, win back his starting position at club level.

He also faces competition from Mastil, Ramdane, Yesli and Rahal, with Hemdani still considering his options in a position where no established hierarchy appears to have emerged.

The latest rumours have not closed the door on Zidane’s Algeria ambitions. His presence among the five provisional selections is, however, only an initial step. The decisive moment will come when Hemdani announces his final squad for November.