News Focus
- Nabil Bentaleb returns to the Lille squad after recovering from infection surgery
- Olivier Giroud expected to start among the substitutes at Stade Louis II
- Noah Edjouma also back in contention but likely to begin on the bench
- Four players remain unavailable for Les Dogues for the Ligue 1 clash
Nabil Bentaleb is poised to return to action for Lille OSC following a three-match absence. The midfielder underwent a surgical procedure to treat an infection.
The Algerian star will travel with Bruno Genesio’s squad to the Principality for Sunday night’s Ligue 1 clash at the Stade Louis II. Bentaleb has trained with the group this week. Although he will be part of the travelling party, the coach will probably not risk him in the starting midfield.
Noah Edjouma also comes back into contention. The midfielder is likely to join Bentaleb among the substitutes rather than featuring from the opening whistle.
Les Dogues are chasing a vital result against their European rivals. However, they remain without Ousmane Touré, Marc-Aurele Caillard, Hamza Igamane, and Marius Broholm. All four will miss the fixture.
Olivier Giroud is set to begin the game on the sidelines. The experienced forward is unlikely to get the nod from the first whistle.
Reports from L’Équipe suggest Genesio will opt for Berke Ozer between the sticks. The defence should feature Romain Perraud, Aissa Mandi, Nathan Ngoy, and Thomas Meunier. In midfield, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Benjamin André are set to start. The attack will likely comprise Félix Correia, Hakon Arnar Haraldsson, and Ngal’ayel Mukau playing behind lone frontman Matias Fernandez-Pardo.