Seko Fofana could return for Rennes against Brest before AFCON | OneFootball

Seko Fofana could return to the Rennes matchday squad against Brest on Saturday at 17:00, then join Côte d’Ivoire for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco to defend their 2023 African title. According to L'ÉEquipe, the 30-year-old has recovered from a hamstring problem sustained on international duty and is in contention for his first involvement since early November. He has 26 caps and 7 goals for his country.

The midfielder was left out, along with Ludovic Blas, for the 2-2 draw at Toulouse on 29 October because Habib Beye felt their training levels were insufficient while he was under pressure. He then stayed on the bench for the 4-1 win over Strasbourg on 2 November, with Djaoui Cissé jumping ahead of him. Rennes improved thereafter before last weekend’s 0-5 loss at Paris Saint-Germain.

Signed in early January on a deal to 2029, Fofana quickly took on a leadership role in a struggling side as Jorge Sampaoli was replaced by Habib Beye, supporting the emergence of Cissé and helping newcomers such as Mousa Al-Tamari settle. After one and a half years in Saudi Arabia, though, he was not as influential as hoped.

He returned early for pre-season and began strongly in August and September, yet the Rennes machine misfired. His attacking impact remained limited, with 10 appearances, seven starts and one goal. Midfield competition is strong, and Fofana remains highly motivated to prove himself.

Beye views selection as performance based and counts on Fofana in 2026 as well as 2025. Expectations are higher for a player of his standing, yet he is working hard to reclaim a starting place. Talk of a January exit has been dismissed, and he remains focused on making his Rennes move a success.

Source: L'Équipe