Marseille defender Derek Cornelius is expected to be out for about three months after sustaining a hip injury while representing Canada on international duty.

The 28-year-old will not need surgery, according to L’Equipe, but is unlikely to play again in 2027.

Cornelius suffered the injury during a training session in Toronto on Wednesday. It was a non-contact lower-body problem and he was taken to hospital for assessment.

The Canada international returned to Marseille this summer after spending last season on loan at Rangers. He has made only limited appearances for the French club this season, playing 26 minutes in Ligue 1 and 67 minutes in the Europa League.

Cornelius started Marseille’s Europa League match against Besiktas and had appeared likely to provide a rotation option for Bruno Genesio’s squad.

His absence leaves Marseille without the defender for an extended period, although he will not require an operation as he begins his recovery.

A French court has upheld the decision for Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi to stand trial over an alleged rape, a judicial source told AFP.

Hakimi, 27, had challenged the order that he face a criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine department. His appeal to the Court of Cassation, France’s highest court for civil and criminal matters, was his final legal avenue.

The Court of Cassation confirmed the decision on Wednesday. It follows a ruling by the Versailles appeals court on 19 June, during the World Cup, which determined that Hakimi should stand trial over the alleged rape of a woman in 2023.

Hakimi has repeatedly denied the accusation.

He was initially ordered to appear before the criminal court in February. He contested that decision before the appeals court and then took the case to the Court of Cassation after the Versailles court upheld the order in June.

Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP on Wednesday.

The lawyer representing the plaintiff, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said her client remained determined to pursue the case.

“After three and a half years of legal battles, after being slandered and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi's defence, my client is determined to obtain justice; she will fight to the very end,” Pardo said in a statement sent to AFP.

The allegations date back to February 2023, when a woman who was then 24 told police in the Val-de-Marne region, south-east of Paris, that Hakimi had raped her.

According to a police source at the time, the woman said she had first met Hakimi on Instagram in January 2023 before travelling by taxi to his home. The taxi had been ordered by the player.

She alleged that Hakimi kissed her, touched her without consent and then raped her. She told police she was able to push him away before sending a text message to a friend, who came to collect her.

Hakimi was charged with rape several days later.

The nature of Denis Zakaria’s injury has been confirmed after the AS Monaco captain pulled out of Switzerland’s squad for the international break.

The 29-year-old midfielder was replaced in the 76th minute of Monaco’s 2-1 Ligue 1 win over RC Lens on Friday, with academy graduate Pape Cabral coming on in his place.

Zakaria acknowledged after the match that a physical problem had led to his substitution, but played down concerns by saying: “But it’s okay.”

However, L’Equipe reports that the former Juventus and Chelsea player had been experiencing adductor pain for several days before the match. The problem was aggravated during the victory over Lens.

Zakaria will stay at Monaco’s training base in La Turbie during the international break while he works on his recovery.

He will be hoping to return to full fitness for Monaco’s Ligue 1 fixture against Toulouse FC on October 10.

Bruno Genesio has rejected suggestions that he could resign as manager of Olympique Marseille after the club’s worst start in their history.

Marseille’s 2-1 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s Classique was their fifth loss in six matches. Their fourth Ligue 1 defeat in five games also left them in the relegation zone as the international break began.

Genesio’s position had come under increased scrutiny after several media outlets reported that the veteran manager might step down.

“There isn’t any idea of resigning, no,” Genesio said.

Marseille are 17th in Ligue 1, a position that contrasts sharply with the club’s usual ambitions.

“At Marseille, we are used to playing at the top of the table,” Genesio added. “That is why I’m trying to sound the alarm when we’re talking about ‘honourable’ defeats.”

The club’s poor run has followed a difficult summer in financial terms. Marseille sold several key players to balance their books and meet the requirements of UEFA and the DNCG.

Those departures have left Genesio with a squad that is significantly weaker in both quality and depth, making it harder for the manager to respond to the team’s disappointing results.

Marseille could be without Igor Paixao for a period after the Brazilian winger was injured during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the Classique.

The 26-year-old was taken off before half-time at the Velodrome, with Angel Gomes coming on in his place.

Marseille head coach Bruno Genesio said the club was still waiting for further information, although the injury appeared to involve Paixao’s ankle.

“I’ve not yet had an update, but it looks like it is (a problem with) his ankle,” Genesio told the media after the match.

The injury is another concern for Marseille following their defeat by Paris Saint-Germain, particularly because Paixao has become an important player for the club.

The winger had been linked with a move away from Marseille during the final stages of the summer transfer window. Sunderland were among the clubs reported to be interested in signing him.

However, Marseille’s ownership decided to keep the Brazil international after Genesio and chief executive Stephane Richard argued in favour of retaining him.

With several high-profile players having left and only limited recruitment completed, Paixao had emerged as one of the key figures in Genesio’s squad.

His potential absence would therefore leave the Marseille head coach facing an additional selection issue as the club assesses the extent of the ankle problem.

AS Monaco captain Denis Zakaria has withdrawn from the Switzerland squad for the international break after sustaining an injury in Friday’s 1-0 victory over RC Lens.

The 29-year-old midfielder was replaced in the 76th minute by academy graduate Pape Cabral. After the match, Zakaria played down concerns about the problem, telling reporters that he felt fine despite being substituted because of a physical issue.

Zakaria has since been ruled out of Switzerland’s upcoming fixtures and will stay at Monaco’s La Turbie training centre during the international break.

The club have not disclosed the nature of the injury, leaving uncertainty over whether Zakaria will be available for Monaco’s Ligue 1 match against Toulouse on October 10.

Diego Lugano says Uruguay need to reconnect with their footballing roots under new manager Diego Forlan, while insisting Luis Suarez still has an important role to play for the national team.

Lugano, Uruguay’s former captain, believes human relationships and dressing-room unity must take priority after what he described as a failed period under Marcelo Bielsa.

“After 15 years with Oscar Tabarez, there was enormous respect for the idiosyncrasy and history of Uruguayan football,” Lugano said. “With Marcelo Bielsa, the focus shifted entirely towards tactics, analysis and statistics. Unfortunately, the history, the players and the human being were forgotten.

“As long as football is played by human beings and not artificial intelligence, human relationships will remain more important than tactical knowledge.”

Forlan, who previously played alongside a number of the players he will now manage, has taken charge after the World Cup. Lugano accepts the appointment carries significant risks for an idol of Forlan’s stature.

“In football, unless you are Pele, Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, you usually lose more than you win and the criticism eventually comes,” he said. “But Uruguay desperately needed someone to unite the environment and bring back our footballing roots after Bielsa.”

Lugano was not surprised Suarez was omitted from Forlan’s first squad, saying the striker’s relationship with Bielsa had been poor. However, he believes Suarez remains capable of making a decisive contribution on the pitch.

“With his talent and endless competitiveness, he absolutely has a place in the national team,” said Lugano. “At the World Cup, against teams such as Cape Verde or Saudi Arabia, Uruguay created 17 to 20 chances in certain periods but did not have a player who could put the ball in the net. His absence was very clear.”

He also warned against placing too much responsibility on Federico Valverde, who he regards as a technical leader but believes has not reproduced his Real Madrid form for Uruguay.

“Being captain of Uruguay is different. It is another history and another culture,” Lugano said. “The captain has to be aware 24 hours a day of what is happening on the pitch, in the dressing room, with the families and with the federation.

“That responsibility has penalised Valverde. We should demand that he leads on the pitch, but not force him to carry every historical burden of a Uruguayan captain.”

From Sao Paulo to Paris

Lugano joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2011, turning down Valencia and Juventus during the first phase of Qatar Sports Investments’ ownership. He had already become an idol at Sao Paulo and a leading figure at Fenerbahce, but chose to begin again at the age of almost 32.

“I have always believed that when you are comfortable somewhere, you need a change and a new challenge,” he said. “The Paris Saint-Germain project was just beginning and I was the first foreign player to arrive under QSI and Leonardo. I wanted to start from zero and make history.”

He left after one and a half years, but has no regrets. Lugano said the club was still closer to a neighbourhood side than a European power when he arrived, with facilities and organisation well below the standards of Sao Paulo or Fenerbahce.

Leonardo asked him to help manage the transition between the existing Parisian squad and the “Galactico” dressing room that was being assembled. Lugano recalled arguing that Paris Saint-Germain needed a proper dressing room and gym before it could attract elite players.

“There was not even a club official to help a player find a house or a school for their children,” he said. “When Maxwell, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Thiago Silva arrived, I showed them which schools and neighbourhoods to choose.”

Lugano believes club leaders still value his role in that period.

“If you ask the leaders of the project today, they still thank me for my leadership during that crucial transition,” he said.

Premier League experience

Lugano chose West Bromwich Albion over longer contracts in Italy with Chievo Verona and Cagliari, as well as lucrative offers from Gremio, Cruzeiro, Corinthians and Flamengo. He had consulted Suarez and Gus Poyet before moving to England.

“I could not finish my career without experiencing the best league in the world,” he said. “I have absolutely no regrets.”

A knee injury suffered at the 2014 World Cup ended his time at West Bromwich Albion, but he said his season in England taught him about the structure, mentality and administration of the Premier League. As president of the Uruguayan players’ union, he now uses that experience as a benchmark for improving football in Uruguay.

Lugano scored his only Premier League goal against Everton in Pepe Mel’s first home game in charge of West Bromwich Albion. He also remembered marking a young Romelu Lukaku.

“He had a lot of strength, almost as much as me,” Lugano said. “Almost, because he was young and I could still control him. I do not think I could do that today.”

Messi, South America and leadership

Lugano stood by his earlier claim that Argentina benefited from refereeing decisions at the 2022 World Cup, and that Lionel Messi received different treatment.

He referred to Uruguay’s defeat by the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup semi-final and said Uruguay had also been disadvantaged in Qatar.

“When a decision depends on the referee’s perspective or interpretation, the status of the player or national team makes a difference,” he said. “Great players earn that status on their own merit. I do not think it is wrong; it is a privilege all football legends have had.”

Lugano believes Brazil currently offers the most competitive club football in South America. He lives there and says the country is a major economic and footballing power.

“If a talented young Uruguayan asks me for advice, unless they are going to a top European club, I tell them it is better to play in Brazil,” he said. “It is highly competitive, exciting and full of the pressure and adrenaline players love.”

He added that 30% of Uruguay’s national team now plays in Brazil, where they earn better salaries and enjoy a more satisfying social and family life than they might at mid-ranking European clubs.

Lugano, who captained Suarez, Edinson Cavani, Forlan, Diego Godin, Martin Caceres and Fernando Muslera, believes social media has changed dressing-room relationships.

“I was captain of the last generation not influenced by social media,” he said. “We knew everything about one another: our families, how we thought, what we felt and what we wanted. Today, because of technology, that is impossible. The world has changed, and it affects everything from a dressing room to communication between a father and son.”

Away from football, Lugano said his involvement in “The Wine of the Champions” with Fabio Cordella reflects his family background. He grew up in Canelones, a region with strong Italian influence, and worked in grape harvesting and wine-making as a teenager.

Uruguay’s Tannat is shaped by the country’s climate, seasons and temperature, he said, but Italy remains the home of wine culture because of its decades and centuries of experience.

“Nothing in the world can replace experience, especially in something as complex as wine, which requires centuries of learning and knowledge,” Lugano said.

Paris Saint-Germain secured only their second Ligue 1 win of the season by beating 10-man Olympique de Marseille 2-1, leaving the hosts with four defeats in their opening five league matches for the first time.

No away supporters were allowed inside the stadium, but PSG were still met by a hostile atmosphere as they visited a Marseille side seeking a response after a heavy midweek defeat in European action.

Marseille started brightly but could not turn their early pressure into a serious opportunity. PSG created the first clear chance inside 15 minutes, although Ousmane Dembele lifted his chip on to the roof of the net.

The hosts had to wait until the 24th minute for their first attempt, with Matvey Safonov comfortably saving Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s effort.

By then, Bruno Genesio’s side were being pushed back by Luis Enrique’s team. Marseille reached half-time level, but they were frustrated after Neal Maupay failed to make the most of their best opening, scuffing his shot from a promising position.

PSG increased the tempo after the interval. Desire Doue, Joao Neves and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia all tested Jeffrey de Lange within the first five minutes of the second half, while Kvaratskhelia went close to breaking the deadlock with an audacious flick from Dembele’s cutback.

The visitors eventually took the lead in the 66th minute through substitute Ferran Torres. The scorer of the winning goal in the FIFA World Cup final met Doue’s cross with a powerful header to register his seventh goal in six appearances for PSG.

Marseille responded six minutes later. Hojbjerg won possession and supplied Amine Gouiri, who laid the ball off for Angel Gomes to finish superbly and score his first Ligue 1 goal since November.

Their equaliser lasted less than two minutes. Nuno Mendes’ cross reached Marquinhos, who swept the ball home for his first goal against Marseille since February 2017.

PSG were reduced to 10 men when Timothy Weah, a former PSG academy player, received a second yellow card for bringing down Mendes.

Marseille could not take advantage. De Lange denied Mendes, while Nayef Aguerd missed a late chance to earn a point when he headed wide from close range in stoppage time.

The defeat was Marseille’s fourth in succession in Ligue 1, a run they last experienced in April 2015. It was also their 39th head-to-head loss of the century, sending them into the international break in the relegation zone.

PSG move up to sixth after recording their sixth victory in their past nine Ligue 1 away matches. Nuno Mendes was named Flashscore’s Man of the Match.

Liverpool have held initial talks with Monaco about signing midfielder Lamine Camara, who was also a target for Chelsea.

The 22-year-old came close to joining Chelsea on transfer deadline day, but Monaco called off the deal at the last minute.

Monaco had preferred to sell Folarin Balogun to Everton rather than let Camara leave. However, the striker decided against a move to Merseyside, leaving Monaco in a difficult financial position.

According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are now interested in moving for Camara ahead of Chelsea in January.

The Reds have already made contact with Monaco over a potential transfer, with Andoni Iraola keen to strengthen his midfield.

OGC Nice claimed their first Ligue 1 win of the season at the fifth attempt by beating pre-round leaders LOSC Lille 2-1, a result which also ended their run of 13 consecutive home league matches without victory.

The hosts produced a commanding first-half display despite beginning the match near the bottom of the table. Djibril Coulibaly thought he had given Nice an early lead when his effort struck the stanchion behind the goal and went into the side-netting, prompting celebrations among some supporters inside the Allianz Riviera.

Elye Wahi then had two efforts ruled out for offside before Nice eventually broke the deadlock. Mohammed Amoura advanced down the left and sent a cross into the area, where Ngoy’s attempted intervention diverted the ball into the far corner for an own goal.

Wahi was denied a second shortly after the half-hour mark. Unmarked in the penalty area, he met another inviting delivery from Amoura with a powerful left-footed strike, but the effort came back off the post.

Lille responded with greater urgency after the interval. Yehvann Diouf reacted quickly to keep out Ayase Ueda’s header, before Niels Nkounkou fired over from inside the box after being found by Wahi.

Diouf was called into action again moments later, making a strong save to stop Tiago Santos’ powerful drive. He then gathered Nabil Bentaleb’s long-range effort as Lille continued to test the Nice defence.

Wahi missed another clear opportunity to extend the home side’s advantage when he was released through on goal. Rather than shoot with power, he attempted to lift the ball over Berke Ozer, who managed to smother the effort.

Nice did find a second in the next attack, with Amoura completing the job he had started as provider. He controlled a long pass from Gauthier Hein, rounded Ozer with composure and rolled the ball into an unguarded net.

Lille halved the deficit with 10 minutes remaining. Ueda struck firmly with his left foot to give the visitors hope and almost levelled the match soon afterwards, but Diouf produced an excellent save low to his left to keep out the Japanese international’s header.

The victory lifts Nice out of the relegation zone ahead of the forthcoming international break. Lille, who had been top before kick-off, fall to fourth after suffering their first domestic defeat of the campaign.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Gauthier Hein (Nice).

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser al-Khelaifi is being investigated in France over suspected conflicts of interest, prosecutors in Paris said on Sunday.

The preliminary inquiry concerns al-Khelaifi's roles at both the Champions League holders and beIN Media Group. It relates to a meeting with representatives of the football league about broadcasting rights in July 2024, the prosecutor's office said.

The investigation was first opened in April after a report was submitted by anti-corruption organisation Anticor. The case has been assigned to France's anti-corruption and financial police.

Al-Khelaifi's lawyer told AFP that his client had "always acted in an independent, impartial and objective manner".

The Qatari has led Paris Saint-Germain since the club was taken over by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011. The stated ambition of that ownership has been to establish the French Ligue 1 champions as the best team in Europe.

Al-Khelaifi has been involved in several legal cases in recent years, while consistently denying any wrongdoing.

He was also charged in February 2025 with complicity in abuse of power relating to shareholder voting at a company, according to a source close to that case who spoke on Thursday.

Earlier proceedings against him over alleged corruption connected to Qatar's bids to host the 2017 and 2019 World Athletics Championships were definitively overturned in mid-February 2023.

France's Court of Cassation ruled that the French justice system did not have the authority to prosecute him in that case.

Paris Saint-Germain are preparing contract offers for attacking players Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, according to reports.

The current European champions are looking to secure the futures of three key members of Luis Enrique’s squad in what would represent a significant boost for the club.

L’Equipe reports that negotiations are already under way with Dembele, Kvaratskhelia and Doue. All three players are expected to agree new deals without difficulty.

Dembele is 29, Kvaratskhelia is 25 and Doue is 21.

PSG have made an indifferent start to the Ligue 1 season and currently sit ninth in the table after their opening four matches. Their record so far consists of two draws, one defeat and one win.

The club are not thought to be overly concerned by that position, with Luis Enrique’s side having taken time to find their rhythm in each of the past couple of seasons. They have generally not reached their best level until the middle of the campaign.

Lyon’s Ligue 1 match against Rennes was temporarily suspended on Saturday, 19 September, after supporters unveiled an offensive banner aimed at rival club AS Saint-Etienne.

The hosts had made a commanding start, with Ernest Nuamah opening the scoring in the seventh minute. The striker doubled Lyon’s advantage in the 30th minute.

Play was then stopped shortly after Nuamah’s second goal as the large banner was displayed in the stadium. A message on the screens reminded supporters that insulting messages are prohibited inside the ground.

The players and match officials left the pitch and returned to the dressing rooms while the interruption continued.

Lyon captain Corentin Tolisso subsequently intervened directly to help resolve the situation and bring the impasse to an end.

The game eventually resumed, with Lyon completing a 4-0 victory.

Olympique Lyonnais ended Stade Rennais’ unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 season with a 4-0 victory at the Groupama Stadium.

The result was Rennes’ fourth defeat in their past five away meetings with Lyon, as one of the two unbeaten records on the line was brought to an emphatic end.

Lyon opened the scoring when Corentin Tolisso split the Rennes defence with a pass into the area. He then kept his composure to square the ball for Ernest Nuamah, who finished first time.

Nuamah came close to doubling the hosts’ lead 10 minutes later. Tolisso dispossessed Przemyslaw Frankowski before Lois Openda set up the forward, but Brice Samba produced an outstanding save to prevent him scoring again.

The pressure continued, and Nuamah eventually claimed his second of the evening. Lyon launched a rapid counter-attack, with Pavel Sulc cutting the ball back for Nuamah to place his shot into the far corner.

The first half was interrupted when discriminatory chants from the stands led to the players being taken off the pitch. The match resumed after a 15-minute delay.

Lyon continued to dominate after the restart and nearly added a third before half-time, but Openda pulled his effort narrowly wide from inside the penalty area.

Captain Tolisso had called for Lyon to begin the second half strongly during his interval interview, and his side extended their advantage within five minutes of the restart.

Abner Vinicius’ cross was only partially cleared by the Rennes defence, allowing Zachary Athekame to drive the ball into the net from inside the six-yard box.

Openda appeared to have scored a fourth shortly after the hour mark, but the goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up.

Khalis Merah, introduced as a substitute, then sent a free-kick narrowly over the crossbar as Lyon continued to threaten the Rennes goal.

There was no denying Lyon 15 minutes from time, when Tolisso guided a shot from the edge of the area into the top corner to complete the scoring.

Lyon’s priority in the closing stages was to secure their first clean sheet in six home league matches. Rennes came close to spoiling that record when Esteban Lepaul’s effort was cleared off the line, but the hosts held on.

The victory pleased manager Paulo Fonseca and sent Lyon into the three-week international break among Ligue 1’s early pacesetters.

Ernest Nuamah was named Flashscore Man of the Match.

Former Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior celebrated in front of the home supporters after Paris FC beat his old club 2-1 in Ligue 1 on Saturday, September 19.

The match at Stade Jean Bouin was Rosenior’s first meeting with Strasbourg since leaving the club to join Chelsea in January.

Paris FC maintained their unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 season with goals from Ilan Kebbal and Pablo Pagis. Strasbourg were handed a late lifeline when Mamadou Mbow scored an own goal, setting up a tense finish, but the effort proved to be no more than a consolation.

Rosenior then celebrated towards the Strasbourg fans at the final whistle. Lucas Hogsberg intervened and told him to stop before the situation escalated.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Rosenior explained the gesture by saying: “My way of celebrating is a message for a portion of the supporters who never wanted my success at Strasbourg.”

Mohammed Salisu described his return to competitive football as an “amazing feeling” after coming off the bench in AS Monaco’s 2-1 Ligue 1 win over Lens.

The Ghana defender made his long-awaited comeback on Friday, bringing an eight-month spell on the sidelines to an end after suffering an ACL injury in January.

Salisu, 27, was introduced in the 90th minute as Monaco held on for victory. It was his first competitive appearance since sustaining the serious knee injury.

“It’s been a long and hard time. I am happy to be back. I hope to get more minutes. It’s a big step for me,” Salisu said after the match.

The centre-back underwent surgery after the injury and spent several months completing his rehabilitation. He returned to collective training with Monaco in August before being named among the substitutes against Lens.

His brief appearance marks a significant milestone in his recovery, with Salisu now beginning the process of regaining match fitness and competing for a regular place in Monaco’s defence.

The lengthy absence also ruled him out of Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. He was not included in Carlos Queiroz’s latest 24-man squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Cote d’Ivoire and The Gambia.

Salisu will now aim to build on his return by earning more playing time for Monaco as he continues his recovery from the ACL injury.

Ghana international Alidu Seidu has joined Nice on a season-long loan from Stade Rennais after the club activated Ligue 1’s ‘joker’ provision.

The 26-year-old completed the move on Friday, September 18 and will stay with Nice until the end of the 2026/27 season. The agreement does not contain an option to buy.

Nice were permitted to recruit Seidu after injuries to defenders Antoine Mendy and Moise Bombito. Although the French transfer window closed on September 1, the ‘joker’ rule allows clubs to sign a player outside the usual window in certain circumstances.

Seidu was identified as Nice’s preferred defensive target because of his ability to play in several positions and his experience in Ligue 1. He has made 106 appearances in the competition for Clermont Foot and Rennes.

The Ghanaian can operate as a right-back, right wing-back or centre-back. Nice sporting director Roger Ricort highlighted that versatility after the transfer, while the club also emphasised Seidu’s experience of playing at two World Cups with Ghana.

The move ends a challenging spell at Rennes, where Seidu had been expected to leave during the summer transfer window. Marseille, Strasbourg and Hull City were among the clubs linked with the defender.

Several offers were turned down as Rennes and Seidu failed to agree on his next destination. During that period, he spent time training away from the first-team group.

He later returned to full training with the Rennes squad and was named in Franck Haise’s travelling party for the Europa League match against Sturm Graz on September 16.

Seidu did not play in Austria, remaining an unused substitute as Rennes drew 0-0.

His return to the squad came only days before his departure for Nice. He will now attempt to revive his season and establish himself as a regular first-team player at his new club.

Seidu has won 25 caps for Ghana and appeared at the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups. However, he was not included in the most recent squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

At Nice, he will have the opportunity to play a regular role for the remainder of the season, while continuing his club career in France.

Monaco moved three points clear at the top of Ligue 1, for now, after a late 2-1 win against Lens at the Stade Louis II.

The victory means Les Rouge et Blanc remain unbeaten after their opening five matches and have now won four of those games for the third consecutive campaign.

Monaco appeared to take the lead inside the first 10 minutes when Matthis Abline calmly finished into the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

The opening stages were closely contested, with neither side able to establish control. Lens were then given hope of a penalty when VAR asked referee Clement Turpin to review a possible handball by Sadibou Sane inside the area. After checking the pitchside monitor, Turpin decided there had been no offence worthy of a spot-kick.

Monaco had another goal ruled out shortly before the half-hour mark. Edan Diop thought he had broken the deadlock with a close-range finish, only for the assistant referee to raise the flag for offside.

The hosts eventually made their pressure count. Paris Brunner collected a precise pass from Abline before confidently beating Robin Risser from close range to give Monaco the lead and claim his fourth league goal of the season.

Filipe Luis’ team came close to doubling their advantage before half-time. Risser parried Brunner’s initial effort, but Abline was unable to convert the rebound from only a few yards out, sending his attempt wide.

Monaco started the second half with the same attacking intent and again found the net through Abline. Once more, however, the assistant referee ruled the effort out for offside, leaving the home side frustrated.

Despite Monaco’s control and territorial pressure, Lens levelled after 57 minutes. Florian Thauvin delivered a corner which Matthieu Udol met with a glancing header, sending the ball beyond Lukas Hradecky and suddenly changing the momentum of the contest.

Lens then threatened to complete the turnaround moments later. Substitute Thorgan Hazard found space for a header but sent his effort over the crossbar when he should have tested Hradecky.

With a draw appearing the likely outcome, Monaco regained the advantage six minutes from time. Jonathan Gradit inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 84th minute, allowing the hosts to protect their lead and claim three points.

The result extends Monaco’s strong start to the season, while Lens are left to reflect on a match in which they recovered from a difficult first half but could not hold on for a point.

Flashscore named Lens defender Matthieu Udol Man of the Match.

Safouane Benzahra is expected to sign his first professional contract with AS Monaco after making an impression during first-team opportunities this season.

The 18-year-old Morocco youth international is one of several academy players due to agree professional terms with the Ligue 1 club, according to L’Equipe.

Benzahra has played in both of Monaco’s UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers and has also made a handful of appearances in Ligue 1.

His progress is set to be recognised in the same way as that of Melvin Gomes, who is also expected to sign his first professional contract. Gomes has attracted interest from Chelsea.

Monaco academy player Nahek Haddani, 17, is likewise expected to sign his first professional deal.

Foot Mercato reports that Franco-Tunisian attacking midfielder Najd Ajroud will sign a three-year contract after impressing for Monaco’s U19s.

AS Monaco chief executive Thiago Scuro says the club intend to sell Folarin Balogun in the January transfer window, only 16 days after the striker’s proposed move to Everton broke down.

The United States international was expected to join Everton in a £40m deal on transfer deadline day. However, the move collapsed in the closing stages after Balogun changed his mind and withdrew from the transfer to Merseyside.

Scuro said Balogun had been unhappy with the way Everton handled his medical and the negotiations that followed, leaving the striker unwilling to complete the switch.

Speaking to RMC Sport, Scuro confirmed that Monaco’s plans had now changed and that they would look for a solution involving the former Arsenal striker this winter.

“We had an agreement with Balogun,” Scuro said.

“What happened with him changes our plans for this winter a little. But that was the original plan: that we find a solution for Balogun. After that, we have no control over all the [upcoming] decisions for this winter.”

Scuro also indicated that Monaco could make further changes to their squad if suitable opportunities arise, although he believes the team have more attacking players than they need.

“If we have the opportunity to give a better balance to the team, we will do it,” he added.

“We have a lot of players at the offensive level, but I think we lack options in other positions. I'm not very happy with what we did this summer. And now, we need corrective solutions.”

Balogun has not been registered for the league phase of the Conference League and has not played for AS Monaco since last season.

His most recent appearance came for the USMNT against Belgium, when his side were eliminated after a 4-1 defeat.