Maxime Lestienne likely to return for AFC Champions League semifinal

Maxime Lestienne — Lion City Sailors’ star sidelined by injury — could make his return for the AFC Champions League Two semifinal against Sydney FC.

The Belgian forward has been a key player for Sailors since 2022 — earning Singapore Premier League’s Player of the Year award last season with 25 goals and 21 assists. This season, his form remains impressive with 12 goals and 20 assists in the league.

Lestienne suffered an elbow injury after colliding with Sho Sasaki in their last ACL Two match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima that ended 1-1. Though immediately hospitalized from Jalan Besar Stadium, he has returned to training wearing elbow protection.

The final decision on Lestienne’s involvement will be announced by coach Aleksandar Ranković during the pre-match press conference. Sailors have performed well without their star — winning three of their last four matches, including an 8-0 victory over Young Lions.

Sydney FC — who advanced after defeating Bangkok United and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors — will pose a serious challenge for Sailors who dramatically reached semifinals after Sanfrecce were found to have fielded an ineligible player.