Lille OSC has officially announced that defender Ousmane Touré, 20, sustained a severe injury during Sunday afternoon`s 3-3 draw against Stade Brestois. Touré, who was filling in at right-back due to injuries and illness affecting Aïssa Mandi, Tiago Santos, and Thomas Meunier, was forced to leave the pitch midway through the second half.
Subsequent updates from the club confirmed that the young defender suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, which will necessitate surgery to address the issue. Lille explicitly stated that Touré “will face a long period of unavailability,” emphasizing the extensive rehabilitation required for such an injury. Furthermore, La Voix du Nord reports that this unfortunate setback could potentially sideline him for the remainder of the current season.
This significant absence may prompt manager Bruno Génésio to turn to 17-year-old Maxima Goffi, as he did during Sunday`s match. However, there is also anticipation for the imminent return of Tiago Santos, the Portuguese youth international, whose comeback from a lengthy ACL injury layoff was only briefly delayed by a minor throat issue.