Yassir Zabiri returned to the pitch with the first team of Stade Rennais this Sunday evening, during the match against Lille at Roazhon Park. The Rennes forward came on in the 81st minute, replacing Ludovic Blas, in a closing phase where the Red and Blacks were pushing to equalize. Rennes ultimately lost 2-1, despite applying strong pressure in the last quarter of an hour.
This appearance marks an interesting comeback for Zabiri, who had been reported as uncertain a few days earlier due to a muscle strain ahead of the trip to Nice. Ultimately included in the squad against the Gym, he followed up with this new appearance against LOSC, indicating that he remains well integrated into the Rennes rotation as the season comes to a close.
Even though his return was brief, it comes at a time when Franck Haise is closely monitoring the development of the young forward. After Rennes’ victory in Nice, the SRFC coach had already mentioned Zabiri among the young players progressing within the group. “There are others like Yassir Zabiri,” he noted, before adding: “In terms of what we were looking for at the end of the match, he was a good profile, he is advancing.” This comment reflects the confidence placed in the player and the role he is beginning to carve out in Rennes’ offensive options.
Against Lille, Rennes paid dearly for their slow starts, conceding goals as early as the 2nd and then the 47th minute, before reducing the deficit through Estéban Lepaul at the hour mark. After the match, Franck Haise lamented the lack of consistency against a direct competitor in the race for Europe, believing that his team made too many mistakes at crucial moments. In this context, Zabiri’s return adds to the reasons for optimism on the Rennes side, as the club continues to invest in the development of its young talents.
