Clément Akpa
AUX
Back in training after injury
Akpa (groin) returned to training with Auxerre on Monday after missing the 2026 World Cup due to injury, according to Lyonne Auxerre.
Analysis: Akpa was ruled out of the Ivory Coast's World Cup squad after a groin injury prevented him from participating in the tournament, but the defender now appears to be back on track for the start of the 2026-27 campaign. After receiving additional rest during the offseason, the 24-year-old rejoined the squad and took part in Monday's training session. His return is an encouraging sign for Auxerre, as Akpa was a regular starter last season with 21 starts in 26 Ligue 1 appearances before his injury setback.
Dropped from national team
Akpa (groin) is no longer set to represent the Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup due to his injury.
Analysis: Akpa will not be at the 2026 World Cup, as the defender has been left at home after a groin injury was deemed too much to play through. This is unfortunate for the 24-year-old, who was set to make his World Cup debut, instead replaced by Christopher Operi. He will now prepare for the 2026/27 Ligue 1 season and hopes to be fit for the start, recording 21 starts in 26 appearances during the 2025/26 season to go along with four clean sheets.
Ruled out for season finale
Akpa (adductor) has been ruled out of Sunday's crucial survival clash against Lille, bringing his season to a premature end, the club posted.
Analysis: Akpa had felt pain in his adductor during Thursday's training session and underwent tests Friday, with the results confirming he is unable to feature in the most important fixture of Auxerre's season. The Ivorian ends the campaign with 30 crosses, 31 tackles, 21 interceptions and 93 clearances across 26 Ligue 1 appearances (21 starts), having been one of the club's most consistent defensive performers before the injury struck. Sinaly Diomande and Telli Siwe are expected to form the central defensive partnership against Lille as Auxerre fight for their top-flight survival.
Dealing with adductor issue
Akpa felt pain in his adductor during Thursday's training session and was unable to participate in the opposition exercise, he will undergo exams Friday and is a doubt for Sunday's crucial survival clash against Lille, according to coach Christophe Pelissier. "Clement will be undergoing tests today; we'll get an update tomorrow to see if he can play or not."
Analysis: Akpa had come on to replace the injured Bryan Ikemefuna Okoh (knee) against Nice and had been managing a long-standing psoas issue throughout the season, making this latest setback particularly ill-timed for Auxerre. The Ivorian international's potential absence further depletes an already stretched defensive lineup, with a Sinaly Diomande and Telli Siwe partnership being tested in training as coach Pelissier prepares contingency plans for the most important fixture of the club's season.
Back available Saturday
Akpa (undisclosed) is back available for Saturday's clash against Lyon, the club posted.
Analysis: Akpa passed his late fitness assessment after coach Christophe Pelissier confirmed a decision would be made following further evaluation, earning a spot in the squad list to face the Gones. The defender has primarily operated in a rotational capacity for Auxerre this season, and will likely resume that role for the final stretch of the season.
Late fitness test Saturday
Akpa (undisclosed) is a late call for Saturday's clash against Lyon, with a decision to be made following further assessment, according to coach Christophe Pelissier. "We will also see tomorrow for Akpa."
Analysis: Akpa has primarily operated in a rotational capacity for Auxerre this season, limiting the immediate impact of his potential absence on the starting lineup. His availability will be determined ahead of Saturday's fixture.
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