Toulouse - injuries & suspensions October 2026

Toulouse finished last season in ninth place in Ligue 1 and reached the French Cup semi-finals, where they lost to Lens. However, the club underwent significant changes over the summer. Carles Martínez Novell stepped aside for Dane Jens Berthel Askou, while several key players left the squad. Toulouse still wants to develop young players, and the new coach will have to reshape several parts of the team.

Askou tasked with continuing the team’s development

Jens Berthel Askou arrived in France after working at Scottish club Motherwell, with whom he secured qualification for European competition. He previously coached teams in Scandinavia and understands the realities of clubs focused on developing players. Toulouse hopes that under his guidance the team will play with confidence and take the initiative more often. Last season’s ninth-place finish provides a good starting point, although repeating that result will not be easy after the summer departures.

Changes in attack

Toulouse lost two players who had increasingly become key contributors. Dayann Méthali, a product of the club’s academy who played at left-back, moved to Sunderland. Brazilian striker Emersonn also headed to England, joining Ipswich Town. He scored seven goals and recorded three assists in 32 appearances. Yann Gboho moved in a similar direction, joining Coventry City.

Among those brought in to replace the departing players was Casper Tengstedt, on loan from Feyenoord. The Dane knows Askou from their time together at Horsens, where he finished as the top scorer in the Danish second division. He later played for example for Benfica, Hellas Verona and Feyenoord. Mathis Amougou, on loan from Chelsea, strengthened the midfield. Thomas Jørgensen also joined from Viborg. In the 2025/2026 season, the Danish midfielder scored five goals and registered nine assists. Toulouse therefore gains a player capable of contributing to build-up play and finishing moves himself.

New faces in defence

Toulouse have strengthened their defence in particular. Ismaïl Diallo arrived from Dijon and can play on either flank of the defence. The club also signed 20-year-old Christ Tapé from Denmark, who can feature on the left or in central defence. Both will compete for a place in the team with Rasmus Nicolaisen and Mark McKenzie.

Another new arrival is David Odogu, on loan from AC Milan. The German centre-back has represented his country at youth level, and regular football in France could help him continue his development. Niko Sigur also joined the team from Hajduk Split towards the end of the transfer window. The Canadian can play as a right-back or midfielder, giving Askou the option of using him in several positions.

The core of the team remains important

Despite the changes to the squad, several key players have stayed at the club. Guillaume Restes will continue to guard the goal, while Nicolaisen and McKenzie are expected to anchor the defence. Cristian Cásseres and Aron Dønnum remain important in midfield. Santiago Hidalgo, meanwhile, could get more chances up front following Emersonn’s departure. These players already know the league and how the club operates. With a new coach and numerous signings, retaining part of the existing squad should help Toulouse settle into the season.

The next step in their development

Toulouse are aiming to finish in the top half of the table again. Ninth place and a domestic cup semi-final showed that the team can compete with stronger opponents, but the departures of Méthali and Emersonn have left gaps to fill. Askou has several new defenders, midfielders and attacking players at his disposal. He now needs to decide how to set them up and make the most of the strengths of the players who remain. If the new arrivals adapt to Ligue 1 quickly, Toulouse could maintain their place in the upper half of the table.