Lille OSC will attempt to overturn a one-goal deficit when Aston Villa travel to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Thursday night. However, on the eve of the UEFA Europa Conference League second leg, Les Dogues have been dealt a big blow.
Edon Zhegrova (25) suffered an ankle injury during last week’s first leg at Villa Park, which ended in a 2-1 victory to Aston Villa. It had been hoped that the Kosovan winger would recover in time and it had been reported that a decision would be made last-minute regarding his participation in the return leg.
However, speaking in a press conference on Wednesday, Lille manager Paulo Fonseca has ended speculation over Zhegrova’s participation in the game. Zhegrova is out. “I’m expecting him to be ready for the next league game,” added the Portuguese manager. Adam Ounas, who had been somewhat frozen out of the first-team set-up, reportedly for a lack of commitment in training, has been integrated into the matchday squad. Lille face a difficult task against Aston Villa; that task has now been made much harder.
