VIDEO: Former Premier League star left on verge of tears following emotional welcome back gesture by Lille squad after suffering cardiac arrest

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United midfielder Bentaleb suffered a cardiac arrest in June 2024 and faced an uncertain future, with many fearing that his football career could be over. However, the Algerian star was cleared by cardiac doctors and Lille's medical team to return to action. On February 13, Bentaleb returned to action and was almost reduced to tears after he received an ovation from the squad and the club staff.

Speaking to club media, Lille president Oliver Letang said: "It is a real joy, from a personal and human point of view first, to receive this news this evening for Nabil, for his family, after the long and difficult ordeal they have been through. Fear and doubt have now given way to optimism and the pleasure of seeing Nabil regain his health and the possibility of simply doing what he loves above all else, namely playing football.

"A few months ago, I expressed our dream of seeing Nabil return to the field and thanks to admirable strength of character and determination, this dream is becoming a reality today. The Club has made sure to stay as close as possible to Nabil over the past 9 months, we have never left each other, but I must nevertheless say that we are happy and moved to fully meet again today, to see Nabil again on the Luchin field and soon at the stadium with his teammates and our supporters."

Lille are set to take on Rennes on Sunday, February 16 and Bentaleb could potentially make his return during the clash, however, he will likely be slowly introduced back into the side before he gets his first start with Lille after the cardiac arrest.