Lille OSC defender Alexsandro, 26, was notably absent from training today following his return from international duty with Brazil. The center-back completed the entire 90 minutes of Brazil`s 1-0 defeat away to Bolivia at the Estadio Municipal de El Alto, a venue situated an astonishing 4088 meters above sea level.
The unique circumstances of the game, particularly the extreme altitude, have caused significant concern at Lille. Head coach Bruno Génésio addressed reporters today, stating:
“Alex didn’t train this morning. He’ll do something very light tomorrow because of the travel, the time difference, and this match in extreme, even dangerous conditions. There are a lot of uncertainties.”
Génésio further elaborated on the physical demands, drawing a vivid parallel:
“If you’ve ever played sport, even just in Tignes or Val d’Isère [two ski resorts in the French Alps], you can imagine what it means to play a football match at 4000 metres [above sea level].”
This sentiment was echoed by club president Olivier Létang, who quipped, with a touch of sarcasm, about the situation:
“It’s not serious for the player’s health, making him climb more than 4000 metres in altitude, making him come back down, making him travel to Europe, and asking him to play. We’re putting the physical integrity of the players at risk.”
Alexsandro has emerged as a crucial player for Lille this season. The club notably resisted losing both him and Bafodé Diakité during the summer transfer window, although Diakité has since moved to AFC Bournemouth.
Lille currently holds third place in the league standings and is preparing to host Toulouse FC this Sunday at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Known affectionately as `Les Dogues,` the team has been an early-season highlight, demonstrating impressive attacking prowess by netting 11 goals in their opening three fixtures.
