Four Lens players out with injury for encounter with Brest

RC Lens coach Franck Haise has confirmed the absence of four RC Lens players for the team’s home game with Stade Brestois on Saturday (8PM kick-off). 

Massadio Haidara (31, thigh), Jhoanner Chavez (21, calf), Deiver Machado (30, match fitness) are certain to miss the clash at Stade Bolleart, all of whom play on the left side of defence. Haise elaborated on the physical condition of each player in his press conference on Friday: 

” Massadio has started running again, we’ll see if he’ll be able to participate with the group next week and to what level of intensity. Jhoanner hasn’t yet started running, but it won’t be long. Machado has re-joined group training but he is still far from being 100%, I would say he’s around 50% right now. He can’t yet accelerate and we have to adapt his training accordingly, it’ll be a while before he’s back in the team.”

Striker Elye Wahi (21) is also doubtful with a shoulder injury and a decision will be made on his fitness on Friday, according to the coach: 

“We’ll need to see how he’s doing. He struggled in the open training session yesterday, but he was a lot better today. We’ll see where he’s at tomorrow, it’s far from certain that he’ll be involved.”

Facundo Medina, another left-sided player, is out with suspension. 

Stade Brestois currently sit in second place in Ligue 1, nine points behind runaway leaders Paris Saint-Germain. Lens are sixth, but only three points behind third-placed Monaco. 

GFFN | Jack McArdle