Lille’s Samuel Umtiti and Nabil Bentaleb set to make returns against Lens | OneFootball

Speaking ahead of Sunday afternoon’s Derby du Nord against RC Lens, Lille OSC manager Paulo Fonseca has confirmed that Samuel Umtiti, Nabil Bentaleb and Adam Ounas will make their returns to the squad.

Apart from Tiago Djalo, who is a long-term absentee, Fonseca has a full roster to pick from on Sunday. Umtiti will return to the squad. The 2018 World Cup winner was hospitalised with concussion a fortnight ago after a clash in a defeat against Stade de Reims. He then missed Lille’s victory over Le Havre at the weekend but will return on Sunday. Meanwhile, Ounas who has recovered from a thigh injury, and Bentaleb, who has recovered from a calf injury, will both be included in Fonseca’s matchday squad.

Fonseca said that none of the aforementioned players are ready to play 90 minutes against Lens. “But it is important to have them in the group,” said the Portuguese manager in a press conference, transcribed by L’Équipe. He will be hoping that his players will be fresh for the match after he heavily rotated his side during Les Dogues’ 0-0 draw against Faroe Islands side Klaksvik in the UEFA Europa Conference League in midweek.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle