Guillaume Restes injury scare eases after Toulouse exit

Toulouse have avoided an immediate major injury concern over Guillaume Restes after the goalkeeper was forced off against Lille. The 21-year-old felt discomfort in his thigh during the second half and signalled to the technical staff before being withdrawn. Initial indications point to a minor muscle problem, although further tests will establish the extent of the issue and any possible absence.

Restes left during Toulouse’s 1-0 defeat by Lille on Thursday. The club chose not to take risks with its first-choice goalkeeper after he reported the problem, leaving his availability for the next fixtures uncertain. Restes, who has come through Toulouse’s youth and reserve sides to become the senior goalkeeper, remains under assessment.

Mathys Niflore replaced him and made his Ligue 1 debut at the age of 19. He conceded soon after entering the match when Ayase Ueda scored, but coach Jens Berthel Askou considered the young goalkeeper unfortunate rather than responsible for the goal. Niflore spent last season on loan at Dunkerque in Ligue 2 and attracted interest from several clubs late in the transfer window, yet stayed with Toulouse as Restes’ deputy. His continued presence gives the club a home-trained alternative while the condition of its 21-year-old starter is clarified.