Luca Zidane’s hopes of returning to the Algeria squad in November are in doubt, with coach Brahim Hemdani reportedly unconvinced by the goalkeeper’s recent performances.

Zidane, who has won 10 caps for Algeria, was suspended for September’s matches against Zambia and Burundi after his behaviour at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He had been expected to return for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Togo on 14 November in Tizi-Ouzou and 17 November in Lome.

However, the 28-year-old may not be included in Hemdani’s squad, according to winwin.

The report says the Algeria manager has concerns about the second son of Zinedine Zidane’s current level. Luca Zidane joined Leganes after the 2026 World Cup, but his displays have reportedly been viewed as inconsistent.

He could be replaced by one of two experienced Algeria goalkeepers who are familiar to supporters of the national team: Alexis Guendouz of JS Kabylie, who is 30, or 38-year-old Alexandre Oukidja of ES Setif.

Guendouz and Oukidja have previously been used as Algeria’s first- and second-choice goalkeepers respectively, although neither fully convinced during those opportunities. Both were left out of Hemdani’s first squad and have not been called up for at least a year.

The national-team staff are continuing to monitor their situations. They are understood to be competing for a third goalkeeping place behind Melvin Mastil and Abdellatif Ramdane, who are expected to retain their positions for the November fixtures.

Zidane’s World Cup performances under scrutiny

Zidane’s displays at the 2026 World Cup also failed to make a strong impression.

He conceded three times in Algeria’s opening match against Argentina, which ended in a 3-0 defeat. Although Algeria won 2-1 against Jordan, Zidane again did not necessarily distinguish himself.

For the third group match, a 3-3 draw with Austria, he was left on the bench as Oussama Benbot was selected instead.

Zidane returned for the last-16 tie against Switzerland but was unable to prevent Algeria from losing 2-0 and exiting the tournament.