Lille OSC have confirmed that Morocco forward Hamza Igamane will be sidelined for several months after sustaining a serious knee injury during the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.
In a statement posted on their X (formerly Twitter) account, the French club explained that Igamane came on during extra time of the final but was forced to leave the pitch just minutes later after picking up an injury. Subsequent medical examinations have revealed the worst: the 21-year-old has suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee.
“While his Moroccan national team was playing the AFCON final against Senegal, Hamza Igamane came on during extra time before being forced off injured a few minutes later. The examinations carried out have unfortunately confirmed a serious injury. Hamza Igamane is suffering from a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. He will be unavailable for several months,” Lille wrote.
The injury comes as a major blow both for the player and for Lille, who were hoping to see the young attacker build on his recent progress. It also caps a cruel end to what was a dramatic AFCON final, already heavy with emotion for the Moroccan camp.
Lille concluded their message by wishing their player a speedy and full recovery, adding their support as Igamane prepares for a long period of rehabilitation.