Nabil Bentaleb
LOSC
Starts final friendly
Bentaleb (undisclosed) is in the starting lineup for Saturday's final friendly against Everton, according to the club.
Analysis: Bentaleb had been forced off after just 11 minutes in the earlier friendly against Hamburger SV, a concerning early scare that came not long after he signed a contract extension through 2028. His return to the starting XI confirms that setback was not serious, and he now looks set to build toward the new season after contributing two goals and two assists across 26 league appearances last season.
Forced off early
Bentaleb (undisclosed) was forced off in the 11th minute of Saturday's friendly against Hamburger SV due to injury, the club posted.
Analysis: Bentaleb recently extended his contract with Lille through 2028 after making 13 starts in 26 league appearances last season, contributing two goals and two assists. His early withdrawal is a concerning early setback, and further clarity on the severity of the issue will be needed as Lille continues its preseason preparations.
Extends with Lille
Bentaleb extended with Lille and will remain with the club until 2028.
Analysis: Bentaleb is not leaving Lille after the end of his contract at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, as the midfielder has re-signed for a further two seasons. He started in 13 of his 26 league appearances last campaign, bagging two goals and two assists. He will now likely work back into a rotational to starting role, likely to be a useful and experienced piece in UCL play.
Departs Lille as free agent
Bentaleb has left Lille after his contract with the club expired.
Analysis: Bentaleb made 26 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille last season, contributing two goals and two assists across 1,279 minutes, having rejoined the club in 2023 after a spell at Angers. The 31 year old defensive midfielder, a mainstay for the Algeria national team, made a memorable return from a cardiac incident during last season, scoring a goal in his first match back, and now becomes a free agent as he looks for his next club this summer.
Makes four tackles vs Austria
Bentaleb registered two crosses (zero accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 3-3 draw against Austria.
Analysis: Bentaleb led Algeria in tackles (four) to help them earn the draw and advance to the Round of 32. He also created the second-most chances for his side during the match. That was his second start in three appearances and he will likely get the nod against Switzerland on Jul 3.
Makes two tackles in loss
Bentaleb registered two tackles (two won), one clearance and two interceptions in Tuesday's 3-0 defeat to Argentina.
Analysis: Bentaleb made the third-most tackles and the second-most interceptions for Algeria during the loss. The midfielder had no offensive stats before subbing off in the 82nd minute. That was his fourth World Cup appearance as one of three current players that featured in Brazil 2014 for the country.
Back available for Monaco clash
Bentaleb (illness) has been cleared and is available for Sunday's clash against Monaco, according to coach Bruno Genesio.
Analysis: Bentaleb had been working his way back through team training after missing three consecutive fixtures following a minor surgical procedure for an infection, and his full clearance is a welcome boost for Lille heading into the weekend. The experienced midfielder figures to ease back in from the bench rather than jumping straight into the starting lineup given the time he has been out, but his availability gives coach Bruno Genesio a useful depth option in the middle of the park against Monaco.
Should be back Sunday
Bentaleb (illness) resumed team training this week and should be an option for Sunday's clash against Monaco, according to Le Petit Lillois.
Analysis: Bentaleb had been sidelined after undergoing a minor surgical procedure for an infection, missing three consecutive fixtures in the process. His return to collective sessions is a welcome development for Lille heading into the weekend, with Ayyoub Bouaddi having stepped into the starting role during his absence. Bentaleb figures to ease back in from the bench rather than jumping straight into the XI, but his availability gives coach Bruno Genesio a useful midfield option to call upon against Monaco.
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