Morocco and Lille striker Hamza Igamane nears injury return

Moroccan international Hamza Igamane is edging closer to a return to team training with French club Lille after making encouraging progress in his recovery from a serious knee injury.

The striker has been sidelined for several months after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his right knee, but his rehabilitation has entered an increasingly positive phase as he works towards a return to competitive football.

Igamane has recently resumed ball work at Lille’s training centre, Domaine de Luchin, following his return to running in June. He continues to undergo individual training sessions under the supervision of the club’s medical and fitness staff.

The latest development represents another important step in the striker’s recovery, with Lille now gradually preparing him for the next stage of the rehabilitation process.

In recent days, the French club has released footage showing Igamane working with the ball during his individual sessions, providing a positive indication of his physical progress.

Although the club has not yet announced an official date for his return to competitive matches, Igamane is now considered to be closer to gradually rejoining team training.

The Moroccan forward suffered the ACL injury during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal in January. Igamane had been introduced as a substitute late in regulation time but was forced to leave the pitch during extra time after sustaining the injury.

The setback ruled him out for a lengthy period and interrupted an important stage of his development with both Lille and the Moroccan national team.

His prolonged absence has also kept him out of recent international assignments, but the steady progress of his rehabilitation has renewed hopes that he can eventually return to the national team setup once he regains full fitness and competitive sharpness.

For Lille, Igamane’s gradual comeback will provide a welcome boost as the club looks forward to having the talented striker available again after months on the sidelines.