Overview

• FIFA’s ruling makes the Granada goalkeeper eligible for Algeria, and he is reported to be under consideration for World Cup qualifiers against Somalia on 9 October and Uganda on 14 October.
• A source close to the Algerian federation says officials approached Zidane recently and he accepted the invitation immediately.
• Coach Vladimir Petković has flagged the lack of a convincing No. 1 since M’Bolhi stepped away, with Algeria conceding seven goals in eight qualifiers so far.
• Zidane, 27, came through Real Madrid’s academy, played for France across youth levels, and has senior stints at Racing Santander, Rayo Vallecano, Eibar and currently Granada.
• His limited top-flight experience and a difficult start to the season at Granada—10 goals conceded in four matches without a clean sheet—have drawn skepticism from some supporters about an immediate call-up.