Yoann Gourcuff returns for Rennes after 9-month absence

Following a ten-month hiatus courtesy of back, foot, and groin injuries, forgotten man Yoann Gourcuff is fit again, and will make his debut for Rennes when it welcomes Lorient to the Roazhon Park this weekend.

Les Rouges et Noirs club doctor Olivier Fichez confirmed that Gourcuff will be fit for Saturday's match, according to L'Equipe.

The match will mark more than a return to fitness for the 29-year-old attacking midfielder and sometime second striker, as the former French international began his youth career at Lorient before moving to Rennes in 2001.

Gourcuff's career then took off. The son of famed gaffer Christian Gourcuff moved to AC Milan in 2006 before a decorated spell with Lyon from 2010-15 ended with a whimper due to a slew of injuries.

The once-promising star has not played since a March 21, 2015 match for Les Gones, signing with Rennes in the summer despite recovering from stress fractures in his foot.