Ismaël Bennacer has resumed full training with Olympique de Marseille and is expected to be available for the club’s final Ligue 1 fixture of the season.
The Algerian international, currently on loan from AC Milan, has experienced a mixed spell since joining the French club in the January transfer window.
Despite flashes of the technical prowess that once made him one of Europe’s most highly rated midfielders, questions have lingered over his fitness, form, and long-term future.
At 27, Bennacer finds himself at a career crossroads. A series of injuries in recent years have hampered his momentum, casting doubt on whether he can return to the level that saw him shine in Milan and guide Algeria to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2019. His time at Marseille has provided only limited answers.
Since his mid-season arrival, Bennacer has made 11 league appearances and contributed two assists. His trademark composure on the ball and intelligent distribution remain evident, but observers have noted a lack of sharpness and physical edge that once defined his game.
The lingering question is whether that spark can return — and if Marseille will commit to making his stay permanent.
The loan agreement with AC Milan includes a €12 million purchase option, and according to internal signals from the club, the management appears inclined to trigger it.
However, Bennacer will be expected to demonstrate his readiness during the summer build-up to next season. A full pre-season, free from injuries, may be crucial in determining whether he can reclaim his former influence on the pitch.
Thursday’s training session, held on 15 May, provided a positive update. Bennacer was included in the victorious side during intra-squad drills, suggesting that he is close to full match fitness and could feature in Marseille’s decisive final league outing.
The upcoming fixture will not only shape OM’s final Ligue 1 standing — with the club already assured of Champions League qualification but still battling for a top-two finish — but could also serve as a key moment for Bennacer to reassert himself.
His return also increases the likelihood of a call-up for Algeria’s upcoming international friendlies in June, where national team coach Djamel Belmadi will be closely monitoring his condition. A strong showing could see Bennacer reclaim his place at the heart of Algeria’s midfield, a role he has filled with distinction in the past.
For now, the immediate task is clear: finish the season on a high note, prove his reliability, and lay the groundwork for a fresh start. Marseille, under pressure to build a squad capable of competing at both domestic and European levels, will need all the midfield depth they can muster. If Bennacer can stay fit and recapture his rhythm, he may yet find himself playing a central role in that project.
As the curtain draws on a turbulent but potentially pivotal campaign, Bennacer’s return to training offers a glimpse of hope — both for the player and for a Marseille side looking toward a more ambitious future.
