PTo break this Ghent glass ceiling, Ivan Leko will need a group in top form this Sunday. But the Liège coach has been deprived of several elements for many weeks. This is the case of Boli Bolingoli, on the sidelines since August 18 and his hamstring relapse in Courtrai. Last September, we specified that the left side would be absent until November. We are told that the former Malinois has returned to collective training but we will still have to wait a little before he is fully competitive.
The big question mark for Ivan Leko lies with David Bates. Having been struggling with his knee for several weeks, he had to leave the field in the middle of the Walloon shock, won 2-1 by Rouches on October 20. Since then, the Scot has been undergoing individual treatment and training for two weeks. Even if he has not returned to the group, there is still hope of seeing the boss of the Liège defense return to his place this Sunday at the Ghelamco Arena. Standard must still assess the risk that it would represent to force the return of its central defender a few days before an international break which could allow him to return fully recovered for the reception of Cercle de Bruges on November 23. A truce that puts Souleyman Doumbia, who was already to be back for the reception of the Union on September 20, to benefit from being 100% again and being considered for tenure which still seems too early at the moment . Finally, Nathan Ngoy has already started individualized work for his return which will not be effective for four to six months.
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