When Adam Unas sat at Brentford Park on Saturday and asked for a change, Lille’s crew held their breath. Because the north wing’s other two muscle injuries in 2023 earned him two months and then a month of absence. But the good news is, it is less dangerous than feared, and the 26-year-old Algerian could return against Nantes on Sunday (August 20th).
Meanwhile, his right wing appears to be depopulated because the other natural candidate for the post, Kosovar Idun Zegrova (24), has not played a single minute in preparation. “He came back injured from selection (Ishio) and has spent the last few weeks receiving treatment, explains his coach Paulo Fonseca. This week he has already trained with us but it will be difficult for him to play the whole match. We have other options. Last summer we had the same problem, and I played with Gabi (Gudmundson). » It was during the third day against Paris Saint-Germain, and it was not a victory (1-7), even if the Swedish team (24 years old) wasn’t around much. “Gabi is a very intelligent player, he can play in many positions. He is a left-back but I have no problem using him elsewhere.”the coach says about him.
When Unas left, it was Alan Virginius (20), who Fonseca used as a central striker or left winger last year, and whom the technician brought to the right. Then it was Gudmundsson’s turn when the France U-20 team refocused. Finally, among the youngsters, there is still the option of Aaron Malouda (17 years old), who made a friendly appearance but does not count the slightest minute in the pros…
Towards a detailed Alexandru Diachetti
The centerpiece of defense has also been reduced because, in addition to Thiago Diallo (cruciate ligaments), LOSC has to deal with the absence of Samuel Umtiti (psoas), who already missed the Brentford game. Alexsandro should replace him as left pivot. Alongside him, Fonseca has the choice between Lenny Yoro or Paphod Diakite, who the Portuguese adores in the axis, even if he played mainly on the right side last season. Another notable absentee is striker Mohamed Bayo. Choosing a coach who is not reliable but perhaps also a way to avoid injury before a possible departure.
