The LOSC, eager to recover after its defeat in Lyon, went to Toulouse to play the 29th day of Ligue 1, a crucial match to maintain its podium ambitions. The team, faced with several notable absences, including those of Kosovar Edon Zhegrova and Remy Cabella, nevertheless managed to win the match on the 1-2 score. This victory, gained in a difficult context, was hailed by goaltender Lucas Chevalier, who stressed the need to persevere despite the challenges encountered.
The absence of Remy Cabella, in particular, was a surprise for observers, given his experience and his usual role in the Lille workforce. If Angel Gomes’ absence was anticipated, as evidenced by his absence from Lyon the previous week, Cabella’s exclusion marked a break with his journey until then, characterized by occasional absences for minor muscle problems. Replacing during the last meetings, and absent from the eleven holder since the reception of Borussia Dortmund, the midfielder was not summoned for this trip.
When asked about this decision, coach Bruno Genesio justified Remy Cabella’s absence by citing the need to make difficult choices due to the wealth of the workforce. He admitted that it was a strategic decision, highlighting the increased competition within the group and the difficulty of selecting players for each game. Young Ethan Mbappé, for example, was preferred to Cabella, illustrating the intense competition for a place in the team.