Star Metro - Lille's Bentaleb out after 'minor surgery' for infection

The Algeria international will be unavailable for this weekend's home game against Nice in Ligue 1, but Lille did not reveal the nature of the infection or say how long he is expected to be out.

Bentaleb, 31, made a remarkable return to football last year after suffering a heart attack while playing in a game with friends in June 2024. He was allowed to resume his career after being fitted with a defibrillator.

"The most important thing is to support him and be by his side," said Lille coach Bruno Genesio.

"He has reached a level that has been quite exceptional lately. It's hugely frustrating for a player to be held back like this when he's hitting his stride.

"We're going to do everything we can to help him get through this setback... and hope things get back to normal very soon."

The former Tottenham player has scored twice in 35 appearances this season for Lille, who hold a one-point lead over Marseille in the race for France's third automatic Champions League qualifying spot.

M.Anderson--SMC