Haris Belkebla
ANG
Fully fit for Lorient clash
Belkebla (undisclosed) is fully fit and available for Sunday's Ligue 1 clash against Lorient after recovering from a minor fitness issue, according to coach Stephane Gilli, per Ouest France.
Analysis: Belkebla has been cleared to return to competitive action after overcoming the fitness issue that disrupted his training schedule over the past week. The midfielder initially missed training before partially resuming activities Friday and was subsequently included in the squad for Sunday's 5-2 defeat against Marseille, although he remained an unused substitute. He then missed Wednesday's training session, raising fresh concerns about his availability, but returned to unrestricted team activities Thursday. Coach Gilli has now confirmed that Belkebla is fully fit and available for selection against Lorient, removing any uncertainty surrounding his status. The midfielder should be in contention for a return to the starting lineup, although he faces competition from Louis Mouton for playing time in central midfield.
Returns to full team training
Belkebla (undisclosed) participated fully in Thursday's team training session after missing Wednesday's practice and is now expected to be available for Sunday's Ligue 1 encounter against Lorient, according to Ouest France.
Analysis: Belkebla has made encouraging progress in his recovery after returning to unrestricted team training Thursday, significantly improving his chances of featuring against Lorient. The midfielder had been dealing with an undisclosed fitness issue that initially forced him to miss training last week before he partially resumed activity Friday. Although he was included in the squad for Sunday's 5-2 defeat against Marseille, he ultimately remained unused and subsequently missed Wednesday's training session. His full participation Thursday suggests the problem is no longer a major concern, and he should be in contention for a place in the matchday squad this weekend. Belkebla could compete with Louis Mouton for playing time in central midfield, although the coaching staff may still monitor his fitness before deciding whether he is ready to start.
Doubtful for Lorient clash
Belkebla (undisclosed) ultimately missed Sunday's Ligue 1 encounter against Marseille despite being included in Angers' squad and was still absent from team training Wednesday, leaving him questionable for Sunday's clash against Lorient, according to Ouest France.
Analysis: Belkebla continues to deal with an undisclosed fitness issue that has disrupted his availability over the past week. The midfielder initially experienced discomfort that kept him out of Thursday's training session before resuming some activity Friday, eventually earning a place in the squad against Marseille. However, he did not feature in the match, and his continued absence from team training Wednesday suggests he has yet to recover fully. With Sunday's encounter against Lorient approaching, Belkebla remains doubtful, although the nature and severity of his problem have not been disclosed. Louis Mouton could continue to benefit from additional playing time in central midfield if Belkebla is unable to return, with his availability likely depending on whether he can resume training before the weekend.
Included in squad against Marseille
Belkebla (undisclosed) has been included in Angers' squad for Sunday's Ligue 1 clash against Marseille after overcoming a recent fitness concern.
Analysis: Belkebla is available for selection after experiencing discomfort that prevented him from participating in Thursday's training session. The midfielder resumed some activity Friday before undergoing further assessment ahead of Sunday's match, and his inclusion in the squad indicates that the issue has improved sufficiently for him to be considered. While his exact fitness level remains unclear, Belkebla provides Angers with another option in midfield against Marseille.
Late call for Marseille clash
Belkebla (undisclosed) is a late fitness call for Sunday's Ligue 1 meeting with Marseille after missing Thursday's training session due to pain, according to coach Stephane Gilli, per Ouest France. "They resumed some training today, and we'll assess their condition tomorrow [Saturday]."
Analysis: Belkebla's availability against Marseille remains uncertain after a physical issue prevented him from participating in Thursday's training session. The midfielder was able to resume some activity Friday, suggesting an improvement, but Angers will assess his condition again Saturday before determining whether he can feature. The nature and severity of his discomfort have not been disclosed, leaving his potential involvement dependent on how he responds to the final session before the match.
Trains fully, option moving forward
Belkebla (thigh) is training fully this week and is an option moving forward, according to Ouest France.
Analysis: Belkebla will need to build his fitness back up before reclaiming a starting role under new coach Stephane Gilli, following the thigh surgery that sidelined him for around a month, a significant blow given his status as a key midfield piece who started all but one match last season. Yassin Belkhdim has filled the void in midfield during his absence, and Belkebla's path back into the lineup will continue to be tracked as he builds toward full match sharpness.
Expected to train next week
Belkebla (thigh) is expected to train next week and could return against Troyes if his evolution goes fine, according to coach Stephane Gilli, per My Angers.
Analysis: Belkebla underwent thigh surgery and had been expected to be sidelined for around a month, a significant blow for Angers given his status as a key midfield piece who started all but one match last season. His planned return to training now offers a clearer timeline, with Yassin Belkhdim having filled the void in midfield during his absence.
Undergoes successful surgery
Belkebla underwent thigh surgery Wednesday and is expected to be sidelined for around a month.
Analysis: Losing Belkebla is a huge blow for Angers, as he's a key piece in Angers' midfield having started in all but one match in the 2025/26 campaign. Marius Courcoul could be in line for a bigger role in midfield in case Belkebla isn't available for the Ligue 1 opener against Lille on Aug. 23, which is the most likely scenario unless Belkebla beats the projected recovery time.
Signs extension with Angers
Belkebla signed a contract extension with Angers through 2028 with an option for an additional season, the club announced.
Analysis: Belkebla joined Angers in August 2024 and quickly established himself as a key figure in the squad, making 22 appearances in his first season before being handed the captaincy ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. The Algerian midfielder finished the season as the player who covered the most ground in the top flight, logging 392.46 kilometers, underlining the intensity and work rate he brings to the engine room on a consistent basis. His technical quality, athleticism and natural leadership make him one of the more important presences in the Angers setup, and the extension secures a player who has become central to the club's identity heading into the coming seasons. Belkebla previously made 155 appearances for Brest, including 127 in Ligue 1, before a stint in Saudi Arabia with Ohod Club prior to his arrival in Anjou.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare