Yassine Titraoui
LEN
Makes return from thigh injury
Titraoui (thigh) returned to action and played approximately 35 to 40 minutes in Lens' 2-0 friendly win over Standard Liege, according to coach Yannick Cahuzac. "It also allowed us to get some long-term injured players back, with Titraoui getting between 35 and 40 minutes of playing time."
Analysis: Titraoui made his first appearance since the thigh injury that had kept him out of recent matches, getting an extended run in the friendly as he rebuilds his fitness. The midfielder had started each of Lens' first three league matches before the injury, indicating he should eventually have a strong chance of reclaiming a starting role once fully fit. His return puts him in contention to be involved against Lyon, though Andrija Bulatovic and Amadou Haidara remain options if his minutes continue to be managed.
Not ready to return
Titraoui (thigh) is still recovering from his injury and is not an option for the time being, according to coach Dino Toppmoller.
Analysis: Titraoui had already missed the Champions League opener against Slavia Prague due to his thigh injury, a tough blow for Lens given he had started all three league games to open the season. Andrija Bulatovic and Amadou Haidara figure to continue filling the gap in his absence. Titraoui will reclaim a starting role for the Sang et Or once back in the mix, although a precise timeline is unknown at this point.
Out Thursday
Titraoui (thigh) is out for Thursday's match against Slavia Prague, according to his club.
Analysis: Titraoui was already unlikely for Thursday's UCL opener, and that has been confirmed, with his thigh injury too much to play through. This will leave the club without a starter after he started in all three league games to open the season, a tough loss for the club. This is likely to leave Andrija Bulatovic and Amadou Haidara to fill his gap until fit again.
Unlikely against Prague
Titraoui suddenly stopped while tracking back and had to be substituted in the 60th minute after making three tackles in Saturday's match against Lorient due to a thigh injury, according to coach Dino Toppmoller, per Lensois.com. "Yacine felt something in his thigh, he needs to get an ultrasound, unfortunately I think it will just be for Prague, but I don't know more."
Analysis: Titraoui's injury casts doubt over his availability for Thursday's Champions League opener against Slavia Prague, with Andrija Bulatovic and Amadou Haidara the two main options to step into his spot in midfield if he is unable to go. The Algerian contributed nine tackles (seven won), four interceptions and two clearances in three Ligue 1 apperances for the Sang et Or since his arrival at the club and losing him would be a big blow for their return in the Queen competition.
One clearance in 2-1 defeat
Titraoui had one shot (zero on goal) in Saturday's 2-1 loss against Strasbourg.
Analysis: Titraoui made six tackles in the match, most by any player. Other than that, the 23-year-old made three interceptions as well, second-most in the match. Titraoui had one shot but it was not on target.
Signs with Lens
Titraoui has completed a transfer to Lens from RSC Charleroi, according to his new club.
Analysis: Titraoui is on his way to France for the next stage of his career, as the midfielder inked a deal with Lens until 2031. The 23-year-old is coming off a World Cup squad place with Algeria, although he didn't see the field. Even at a young age, he still has 161 professional appearances, notching 19 goals and 18 assists in his time on the field. This will give Lens a complete midfielder to be excited about for years to come. However, it may take some time to find his place in the squad.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare