Lille left-back Ismaily set for 8 to 10 weeks on the sidelines | OneFootball

Lille’s Brazilian left-back Ismaily (33) is set for an 8-to-10-week spell on the sidelines, according to a report from La Voix du Nord, and as announced by head coach Paulo Fonseca. Ismaily was subbed off against Stade Rennais on Saturday evening with a thigh injury. The 33-year-old defender has been a mainstay for the northern side, playing 18 league games, scoring two goals and registering two assists this season. “It’s a specific injury, a peculiar and complicated one“, revealed Fonseca.

This bitter blow won’t alleviate the reported tensions between Fonseca and Lille president Olivier Létang. The former AS Roma head coach lamented the quiet transfer activity from Les Dogues and blamed Létang for it. No outfield player has joined the northern outfit during the winter transfer window. “This is the reason why I wanted an extra player“, moaned Fonseca. With Ismaily out of the picture, Les Dogues have only one operational full-back in Bafodé Diakité (22). In the absence of the Brazilian left-back, Fonseca is set to rely on American winger Timothy Weah to protect Lille’s left-flank. Meanwhile, Swedish international left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson (23) has fully recovered from a severe groin injury.

Lille travel to Lyon this Wednesday for an exciting Coupe de France last 16 tie.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval