RC Lens is preparing to face Sporting Portugal in the Champions League, but the team is facing several major absences. The club has already passed the qualifying phase by beating Slavia Prague 3-2, and the next match, scheduled for Tuesday 6:45 p.m. in Bollaert, marks the club's return to the prestigious European competition. The Sang et Or will therefore have to deal with a reduced squad before welcoming the Portuguese.
On November 15, Yannick Cahuzac, sports director of the club, held a press conference to detail the state of health of his players. He confirmed that Jonathan Gradit, central defender, will not be available for the match against Sporting. Gradit suffered a muscle strain last Friday, after Lens' 2-1 victory against Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1. The player is now under medical observation and will have to undergo examinations the same evening. Cahuzac clarified that he would not take any risks with a player who has already suffered from a long injury, and that a new assessment would be made on D‑1 before the next duel against Troyes.
In addition to Gradit, two other key players, Maik Nawrocki and Abdallah Sima, remain in the infirmary. Nawrocki has been injured recently, while Sima has also been sidelined for medical reasons. The sports director assured that the group is complete apart from these absences, and that he remains vigilant regarding the health of his players. He stressed the importance of not compromising the team's performance by taking unnecessary risks.
The stakes in this match are high for Lens. After a victory in the Champions League, the club must consolidate its position in the group stage and prepare for the challenges of Ligue 1. The absences of Gradit, Nawrocki and Sima could influence the defensive strategy, but the rest of the squad remains solid. The club hopes that the health of its players will improve quickly in order to remain competitive on several fronts.
In conclusion, RC Lens is preparing to face Sporting Portugal with a slightly weakened squad. The sports director emphasized medical caution and the need to maintain team cohesion. The next few days will be decisive for Gradit's recovery and the availability of Nawrocki and Sima, which will determine the final lineup for the group stage match.