Granada goalkeeper Luca Zidane will miss the forthcoming FIFA World Cup after sustaining fractures to his jaw and chin during his side’s 4-2 LaLiga 2 loss to Almeria.
The 27-year-old shot-stopper, who is the son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, was taken off near the end of Sunday’s encounter following a serious collision with an opposing player.
He was first treated for a concussion before additional medical examinations revealed facial fractures.
Granada confirmed the development in a statement released on Monday.
“Medical examinations carried out on Luca Zidane following the concussion sustained in the match against UD Almeria have also confirmed fractures to his jaw and chin,” the club stated.
The injury is expected to keep Zidane out for several weeks, effectively ruling him out of Algeria’s squad for the World Cup in North America taking place from June 11 to July 19.
Zidane recently changed his international allegiance to Algeria after previously featuring for France at youth level.
He made his first appearance at a major tournament for the Desert Foxes during the last Africa Cup of Nations, helping the side reach the quarter-finals.
His absence is expected to be a significant setback for Algeria, who have been drawn in Group J alongside reigning champions Argentina, Jordan, and Austria.
At club level, Zidane has made 26 league appearances for Granada this season, with the club currently occupying 14th position in the LaLiga 2 table on 45 points.