Lille Forced to Reassess Season Plans After Ighaman Injury

French club Lille is re-evaluating its plans for the second half of the season after player Hamza Ighaman suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear during the Africa Cup of Nations final, an injury that will sideline him for an extended period. This injury leaves a significant void in the team's attack, necessitating crucial decisions.

Coach Bruno Genesio emphasized the player's importance, stating: "We have already started thinking with the president and the recruitment cell, because Hamza (Ighaman) was a very important player for us. Today, we have lost him until the end of the season, and perhaps a little longer because it's an ACL tear. So, obviously, there is ongoing reflection."

Genesio is demanding high-level reinforcements for the team, stressing that any new additions must be of high quality. The coach declared: "If there are signings in the winter transfer market, they must be real reinforcements. It shouldn't just be a matter of saying we made a signing and then everyone is happy." He also emphasized the need for a player capable of scoring between 10 and 15 goals.

In the context of searching for alternatives, Neal Maupay is reportedly a potential target for Lille to compensate for Ighaman's absence.