Ethan Mbappé injured, Olivier Létang angered as Lille endure turbulent international break | OneFootball

LOSC’s international break has turned turbulent, with Ethan Mbappé sidelined, Olivier Létang angered by the 1-2 defeat at Nice, and staff upheaval.

According to L'Équipe, Mbappé, closely watched after a strong start, was forced to return from Espoirs duty after a heavy late tackle early on in Estonia, a match that finished 2-0. Initial national-team tests ruled out a fracture.

He is expected to miss at least three weeks pending further scans in Lille. It is a blow, even if Dilane Bakwa has impressed as his deputy, and it narrows options for hour-mark changes on LOSC’s strongest flank, with the left still unsettled.

After the Nice defeat on 20 September, Létang made plain his displeasure. At LOSC the players eat in the dressing room and hear from the coach and president, and his address was longer and sharper than usual.

Before this three-week pause he appeared keen to make a point, though such words often have limited effect during departures. He focused on attitude, saying defeat can happen but not in that manner, delivered bluntly.

It is not the first time this season he has raised his voice, and he could repeat the message when the internationals return next week. Meanwhile, internal changes continue, even if there is no link to recent results.

Two video analysts have been dismissed and another has arrived. In communications, the dismissal of a long-serving staffer has unsettled colleagues and sparked anxiety.

Source: L'Équipe

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