Lille OSC are set to welcome back a key figure this weekend as they prepare for a crucial Ligue 1 clash against AS Monaco at the Stade Louis II on Sunday night. Nabil Bentaleb returns to the squad after missing the last three matches following surgery for an infection, but fans shouldn't expect him to slot straight into the starting XI.

Bruno Genesio's side have been battling through a tough stretch without Bentaleb, and his return to training this week is a welcome boost for the midfield. However, the Algerian international is likely to start on the bench as he builds back his match fitness. Noah Edjouma also returns to the squad and is expected to feature among the substitutes.

Les Dogues are looking to make a statement against a direct European rival, but they'll have to do it without several key absentees. Ousmane Touré, Marc-Aurele Caillard, Hamza Igamane, and Marius Broholm all remain sidelined. In a surprising twist, veteran striker Olivier Giroud is also expected to start from the bench, leaving the attacking duties to younger legs.

The predicted starting XI sees Berke Ozer in goal, protected by a back four of Romain Perraud, Aissa Mandi, Nathan Ngoy, and Thomas Meunier. The midfield engine room is likely to feature Ayyoub Bouaddi alongside captain Benjamin André, while the attacking trio of Félix Correia, Hakon Arnar Haraldsson, and Ngal'ayel Mukau will look to supply Matias Fernandez-Pardo up front.

With both teams chasing European spots, this promises to be a tightly contested affair in the Principality.