Luca Zidane
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Brilliant in return to action
Zidane (jaw) made six saves and kept a clean sheet during a 90-minute appearance in Wednesday's international friendly against Netherlands.
Analysis: Zidane helped his national team to an encouraging result, with his comeback from injury giving Algeria a boost in terms of shot-stopping quality. He's projected to start over Oussama Benbot and Melvin Mastil in most games of the international tournament. After averaging 2.8 saves and 1.3 goals allowed per game over 26 La Liga 2 starts last season with Granada, the 28-year-old keeper could have a good opportunity to test his skills as he'll be facing strong offensive units in the World Cup group-stage clashes with Argentina and Austria, while he may have more reasonable clean-sheet options versus Jordan.
Expected fit for World Cup
Zidane (jaw) underwent successful surgery following a concussion and a double fracture of the jaw and chin sustained against Almeria with Granada, and is expected to return to action in around two weeks, putting him on track for the World Cup.
Analysis: Zidane's recovery is a significant relief for Algeria and coach Vladimir Petkovic, who is already without Anthony Mandrea for the summer tournament. The goalkeeper is Algeria's first-choice between the posts, and his availability for the World Cup opener against Argentina on June 17 had been in serious doubt following the severity of the injury. The surgical procedure was deemed a success, and the three-week recovery timeline suggests he should have enough time to regain match sharpness before the tournament begins. Algeria have been drawn in a group alongside Argentina, Jordan and Austria, making the presence of their number one goalkeeper all the more important heading into what promises to be a demanding group stage.
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