Zidane Jr Heads to AFCON: Granada Left in Goalkeeper Limbo
Luca Zidane's Algeria call-up for the Africa Cup of Nations creates a festive headache for Granada, who could lose their number one for up to four league matches.
Granada’s Christmas plans have taken a hit as first-choice keeper Luca Zidane jets off to represent Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving the Segunda División side scrambling between the sticks during the festive period.
Timing Nightmare
The tournament in Morocco runs from December 21st to January 18th, creating a proper headache for the Andalusian outfit. In the absolute best-case scenario (an early Algerian exit), Zidane would miss just two matches - the year-ending clash against Albacete and the 2026 opener versus Almería.
However, anyone with half a football brain can see that’s unlikely. If Algeria advance through the tournament as expected, Granada could be without their number one for up to four league matches plus their Copa del Rey tie against Rayo Vallecano.
The Backup Plan
This situation isn’t completely unfamiliar territory for Granada. They’ve already had to deal with a similar scenario earlier this season when both Zidane and backup Astralaga were away on international duty, forcing them to call up two keepers from their B team for the Las Palmas match.
Now Astralaga steps into the spotlight again, with the young Spanish keeper getting a golden opportunity to prove his worth between the posts. Granada will be crossing their fingers he can deliver the goods while Zidane is representing his adopted nation. Waiting in the wings is B-team stopper Iker García, ready to step up should anything happen to Astralaga.
Hongla Stays Home
In a stroke of good fortune that ultimately won’t change much, midfielder Martin Hongla has been left out of Cameroon’s AFCON squad. The ‘Indomitable Lions’ will head to Morocco without the Granada man, though this barely affects the club’s plans as Hongla hasn’t featured under manager Pacheta since September anyway.
Zidane’s decision to switch his international allegiance to Algeria several months ago has come back to bite Granada at a crucial point in the season. While it’s a massive opportunity for the son of the legendary Zinedine, it’s left his club in a right two and eight during the Christmas period.