Moroccan striker Hamza Igamane nearing Lille return after ACL injury

Morocco striker Hamza Igamane is closing in on a return to competitive football after reaching the final stage of his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury.

The Lille forward has continued individual training following surgery and is now expected to join his teammates in group sessions soon.

His progress will come as welcome news to Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who was without the striker during the latest international break.

Ighman steps up rehabilitation

Lille have indicated that Ighman is working intensively as he continues his recovery, with the Moroccan now approaching the final phase of his rehabilitation programme.

The striker’s return to group training would represent an important step towards his eventual comeback to competitive action.

However, he is yet to return to full team training, meaning Lille and Morocco will continue to monitor his progress before he is cleared to play.

Morocco missed Ighman’s services

Ouahbi was unable to call on Ighman during Morocco’s latest international fixtures.

The Atlas Lions recorded victories over Gabon and Lesotho in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign before drawing 1-1 with Mali in a friendly.

Ighman’s return would give Ouahbi another attacking option as Morocco continue to prepare for their upcoming international commitments.

ACL injury disrupted his season

Ighman’s recovery follows a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered while representing Morocco.

Lille announced on 19 January that the striker had suffered a tear to his anterior cruciate ligament after being forced off during Morocco’s final against Senegal in Cannes.

The injury required surgery and kept the forward away from competitive action.

After months of rehabilitation, however, Ighman is now nearing the final hurdle in his recovery.

A boost for Lille and Morocco

For Lille, Ighman’s imminent return could strengthen their attacking options, while Morocco will be monitoring his progress closely with the national team also set to benefit from his eventual comeback.

For now, the striker’s focus remains on completing his rehabilitation and returning safely to full training before making his long-awaited return to the pitch.