Ligue 1: Lens Name 18-Man Squad for Toulouse Clash
By BBC Sport | Ligue 1 | Matchday 11
RC Lens manager Antoine Kombouaré has announced his 18-man squad ahead of Friday night’s opening fixture of Matchday 11 in Ligue 1, as his side prepares to travel south to face Toulouse FC.
The northern club will be without several key players due to a combination of suspensions and injuries. Midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin, defender Alaeddine Yahia Kantari, and captain Jérôme Le Moigne are all serving suspensions, limiting Lens’ options in central areas. Adding to the selection headache, striker Yoann Touzghar and goalkeeper Rudy Riou have also been ruled out due to injury.
Despite the absences, Kombouaré remains focused on maintaining momentum as Lens seek to climb the Ligue 1 table. The coach has called up a blend of youth and experience for the challenging away fixture.
Lens Squad to Face Toulouse:
Goalkeepers: Belon, De Pinho
Defenders: Abdoul Ba, Ludovic Baal, Cavaré, Fradj, Landre, Lecoeuche, Boubacar Sylla
Midfielders: Bourigeaud, Wylan Cyprien, El Jadeyaoui, Lalaina Nomenjanahary, Valdivia
Forwards: Pablo Chavarria, Adama Coulibaly, Baptiste Guillaume, Dème N’Diaye
The match at the Stadium de Toulouse is seen as a key opportunity for Lens to stabilise after a mixed start to the season. Kombouaré will be relying on his squad’s depth, particularly the younger talents such as Cyprien and Bourigeaud, to step up in the absence of senior figures.
Kick-off is scheduled for Friday evening, with Lens aiming to return north with a valuable result in their push for mid-table security.
