Lille will be without Moroccan winger Osame Sahraoui for their crucial UEFA Champions League round-of-16 first-leg match against Borussia Dortmund.
The 23-year-old was absent from training on Monday, casting further doubt over his availability for Tuesday’s clash in Germany.
Sahraoui’s continued absence Raises Concerns
Sahraoui, who has missed Lille’s last two matches, was expected to make his return this week.
However, his absence from Monday’s session at the club’s training ground suggests he has not yet recovered sufficiently to be part of Bruno Genesio’s squad.
The team completed their final preparations before departing for Dortmund later in the evening.
Despite being a key figure for Lille this season, the Moroccan international has been sidelined since his last appearance on February 16.
His unavailability is a setback for the French club as they prepare to face the Bundesliga giants in one of their most significant fixtures of the season.
A key player missing at a crucial time
Since joining Lille, Sahraoui has proven to be an influential attacking option, featuring in 36 matches this season, with 16 starts.
He has contributed five goals and four assists across all competitions, demonstrating his ability to make an impact in the final third.
Lille will now have to navigate the first leg without him, a blow considering his creativity and versatility in attack.
While Genesio still has attacking options, including Jonathan David and Edon Zhegrova, Sahraoui’s absence limits Lille’s ability to stretch Dortmund’s defense with his dribbling and pace.
Focus shifts to Dortmund clash
As Lille prepare to take on Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park, the French side must find a way to compensate for Sahraoui’s absence.
The match will be a significant test for Genesio’s men, who are aiming to secure a strong result before the return leg in France.
With Sahraoui’s status still uncertain, Lille will hope to have him available for the second leg as they look to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals.
