Ethan Mbappé Returns as Lille Faces Liverpool in Champions League Clash

LIVERPOOL, England — Lille will face Liverpool in a high-stakes Champions League match on Tuesday, with Ethan Mbappé making a dramatic return to the squad after a three-month absence due to a quadriceps injury. The 20-year-old midfielder, who last played on Sept. 29, 2024, is set to be on the bench for the crucial fixture at Anfield.

Mbappé’s inclusion comes as a boost for Lille, who are under pressure to deliver a strong performance against the Premier League giants. However, the team will be without winger Edon Zhegrova, who stayed behind in France due to pubic pain.

The return of Mbappé has sparked mixed reactions among fans and analysts. While some have praised his inclusion, others have questioned whether he is ready to compete at such a high level after his lengthy recovery. “Ethan’s return is a morale boost for the team,” said Lille coach Paulo Fonseca. “He has worked hard to recover, and we believe he can contribute.”

Lille, currently third in their Champions League group, need a positive result to keep their knockout stage hopes alive. Liverpool, meanwhile, are looking to secure their place in the next round with a win. The Reds have been in strong form this season, led by their prolific attack and solid defense.

The match will also mark a reunion between Lille’s Jonathan David and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, who faced off in the 2022 World Cup. David, Lille’s top scorer this season, will be key to their chances of causing an upset. “We know it’s a tough challenge, but we believe in our ability to compete,” David said in a pre-match interview.

Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. local time at Anfield, with thousands of Lille fans expected to make the trip to support their team. The match will be broadcast live on major sports networks worldwide.