Nicolas Lemaître
REN
Concedes twice in start
Lemaitre allowed two goals while making three saves during Sunday's 3-2 win over Le Mans.
Analysis: Lemaitre allowed a goal in each half, but held on long enough for Rennes to find a late game winner. It was the first start this year for the keeper as he replaced the injured Brice Samba for Sunday's match. Samba could return in time for next week's trip to Angers.
Returns in preseason friendly
Lemaitre played the second half of Rennes' preseason friendly against Caen, marking his return to action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Analysis: Lemaitre had not featured since suffering a torn ACL while with Troyes in October 2025, an injury that ended his season prematurely. The goalkeeper's appearance after the break against Caen represents an important step in his recovery and suggests he is nearing full fitness ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Having joined Rennes earlier this summer, the 29-year-old will continue building match sharpness during preseason as he looks to challenge for playing time.
Signs with Rennes
Lemaitre signed a two-year contract with Rennes on Friday.
Analysis: Lemaitre spent the 2025/26 season with Troyes and was the first-choice goalkeeper until suffering an ACL injury back in October 2025. However, the 29-year-old should be close to being ready to return to action when the Ligue 1 season begins next August. Lemaitre joins Rennes having made over 100 appearances in Ligue 2 for Reims, Quevilly-Rouen and Troyes.
ACL injury ends season early
Lemaitre suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear during a match against Bastia in October 2025, bringing a premature end to his campaign and ruling him out for several months, the club announced.
Analysis: Lemaitre had been Troyes's first-choice goalkeeper at the start of the season before the injury struck, and with a typical ACL recovery timeline of around eight to 10 months, he could be targeting a return in time for the club's Ligue 1 campaign in 2026/27. Hillel Konate stepped in admirably as his replacement, playing a central role in the club's 12 clean sheets and the promotion push, but Troyes will hope to have Lemaitre back fully fit and competing for the starting role as they prepare to face the demands of the top flight.
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