Brice Samba
REN
Allows one in return
Samba recorded two saves and allowed one goal in Sunday's 2-1 win against Angers.
Analysis: Samba returned to action Sunday after missing the previous match due to injury. He made two saves while conceding one goal against Angers. The goalkeeper has appeared in just two matches to start the season, recording five saves while allowing three goals.
Trains, appears fit
Samba (undisclosed) was back in training ahead of Sunday's match against Angers and appears to be an option.
Analysis: Samba missed the club's last contest but appears to be returning to full fitness, as the goalie was back in training this week. That said, the goalie appears to be an option to start for the club again, with Rennes set to face Angers on Sunday. He will look to improve, as his season opener against PSG consisted of two goals allowed.
Ruled out Sunday
Samba has been ruled out of Sunday's Ligue 1 match against Le Mans, according to Le Parisien, with Nicolas Lemaitre set to make his first official start for Rennes as his replacement.
Analysis: Samba picked up a muscular issue that first surfaced after he started Rennes' opening-day draw with Paris Saint-Germain, and with doubt lingering since Franck Haise flagged his uncertain status on Friday, the goalkeeper has now been officially ruled out of Sunday's home match against Le Mans. Nicolas Lemaitre who signed this summer from Troyes to serve as the club's backup goalkeeper, is set to make his first official start for the club as a result. With Samba being Rennes' undisputed number one, the coaching staff will look to reassess his condition in the coming days as they prepare for the matches ahead, and he should be in line to reclaim his spot between the posts once the discomfort has fully cleared.
Managed with minor muscular issue
Samba (undisclosed) is dealing with a minor muscular issue and stayed indoors Friday, with his status to be reassessed ahead of Sunday's clash against Le Mans, according to coach Franck Haise, per Ouest France.
Analysis: Samba made three saves in the recent draw with PSG, including strong stops on Desire Doue and Warren Zaire-Emery, continuing to build on a solid start after 10 clean sheets across 32 Ligue 1 appearances last season. If he is ruled out, Kilian Belazzoug or new signing Nicolas Lemaitre would step in, with manager Haise noting the backup goalkeeper spot will otherwise alternate between Ligue 1 duty and reserve team action.
Three saves in draw
Samba recorded three saves and allowed two goals in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Paris Saint-Germain.
Analysis: Samba made three saves Sunday, including a pair of strong stops against Desire Doue and Warren Zaire-Emery before being beaten twice by Ferran Torres in the final 20 minutes. The goalkeeper recorded 10 clean sheets across 32 Ligue 1 appearances last season, establishing himself as a reliable presence between the posts. His shot-stopping ability and experience should give him the opportunity to remain a consistent source of saves and clean sheets throughout the campaign.
Back for preseason with Rennes
Samba is back with Rennes for preseason, the club announced.
Analysis: Samba did not play a single match for France at the World Cup, having dealt with a calf injury that kept him out of the match against England, though he appears to have recovered from that issue. He remains Rennes' undisputed starter in goal, having made 87 saves and conceded 44 goals while posting 10 clean sheets across 32 Ligue 1 appearances last season. Samba is expected to build up his fitness during preseason as he prepares for another season as the club's primary goalkeeper.
Won't face England
Samba (calf) is out for Saturday's match against England due to a calf injury, according to Hugo Delom of L'Equipe.
Analysis: Samba had to cut training short for France ahead of their third-place match and will now miss out, with the injury too much to play through. The good news for the team is that he is unlikely to see any time either way, with Mike Maignan likely to continue as their starter. This will be a bigger concern for Rennes as the league season approaches, hoping this is nothing serious.
Cuts training short with calf pain
Samba cut short his training session Wednesday, a day after France's loss to Spain, due to calf pain and will undergo further examinations, according to Benjamin Quarez of Le Parisien.
Analysis: Samba entered the tournament as Mike Maignan's top backup after an outstanding campaign with Rennes, where he totaled 87 saves and 10 clean sheets across 32 Ligue 1 appearances. He will undergo further testing in the coming days to determine the extent of the issue, and France is unlikely to take any chances given that the final match is only for third place. If manager Didier Deschamps decides to rotate his goalkeeper, Robin Risser would be the favorite to get the start against England if Samba isn't fully fit.
Backup role for France
Samba has been named in France's World Cup squad as Mike Maignan's primary backup and is expected to feature in at least one group stage fixture.
Analysis: Samba ends what has been a standout individual campaign with Rennes, recording 87 saves and 10 clean sheets across 32 Ligue 1 appearances in a season that firmly established him as one of the best goalkeepers in the division. The goalie heads into the World Cup highly motivated to make the most of any opportunity that comes his way after a season that has shown he is more than capable of performing at the highest level, and his presence gives France excellent depth and quality in the goalkeeping department. Samba will be a trusted presence in the squad and a ready-made option should Mike Maignan face any fitness concerns during the tournament.
Returns from suspension
Samba has served his one-match suspension and is no longer suspended.
Analysis: Samba ends what has been a standout individual campaign with 87 saves and 20 clearances across 32 Ligue 1 appearances, keeping 10 clean sheets in a season that has firmly confirmed him as one of the best goalkeepers in the division. The focus now shifts to the World Cup with France this summer, where Samba is expected to serve as backup to Mike Maignan while likely getting the opportunity to start in one of the three group stage fixtures, giving him a significant platform to showcase his qualities on the biggest stage.
Concedes goal against Paris FC
Samba (suspension) had no saves and allowed one goal in Sunday's 2-1 win over Paris FC.
Analysis: Samba had a disappointing outing, facing just one shot on target and failing to stop it despite the effort being directed close to him. The Rennes goalkeeper has endured an inconsistent season overall, recording 10 clean sheets in 32 matches but also conceding 44 goals. His 66.4 percent save rate sits around the middle of the league, though he has remained busy throughout the campaign with 134 shots faced. Samba's next fixture will come against Marseille, who sit one place below Rennes in sixth and have scored 60 goals this season, making it a difficult matchup.
Will miss OM game
Samba is set to be suspended after accumulating five yellow cards in French competitions, the league announced.
Analysis: Samba picked up his fifth yellow card in French competitions and is now suspended for the season finale against his former club Marseille on May 17. The number one goalie has been an undisputed starter between the posts this season and his absence guarantees a shake-up in the starting XI, with Mathys Silistrie expected to start at the Velodrome.
Concedes four to Lyon
Samba allowed four goals while making five saves during Sunday's 4-2 loss to Lyon.
Analysis: Samba allowed two goals in each half as Rennes dropped all three points Sunday. The keeper has allowed five goals while combining for 11 saves and keeping a clean sheet over his last three starts. Rennes take on Paris FC next weekend.
Six saves in 2-1 win
Samba made six saves and allowed one goal in Sunday's 2-1 win against Nantes.
Analysis: Samba made six saves to help his side to a 2-1 victory over Nantes. The keeper has kept 10 clean sheets in his 30 games this season, keeping only one in his last four matches. This is the fourth time this season taht he has made six or more saves.
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