Breaking: Debast absent, Zekri present, Cahuzac's challenge
On the eve of the Champions League clash between RC Lens and Sporting Portugal, Yannick Cahuzac received two decisive pieces of information: Belgian defender Zeno Debast is not part of Sporting’s squad, while 18‑year‑old left‑back Moncef Zekri is called up, the match taking place on Tuesday at 18:45 at the Bollaert‑Delelis stadium.
Absence of Zeno Debast
The Belgian international defender was excluded from Sporting’s squad after a slight discomfort felt in training, with no apparent seriousness. The Portuguese staff preferred not to take any risk, thus creating a notable absence in Sporting’s defence.
For the Blood and Gold, this gap offers an opportunity to put pressure on the opponent’s back line and try to gain the advantage from the early minutes.
Presence of Moncef Zekri
The 18‑year‑old young left‑back is among the 25 players called up by Rui Borges, despite questions about his availability. His presence adds an additional option to Sporting’s defensive sector, even though it does not guarantee a starting place.
Cahuzac secures exceptional waiver to lead Lens against Sporting in Champions League
The full Sporting squad includes Silva, Pereira, Callai, Fresneda, Vagiannidis, Ba, Quaresma, Inácio, Felicíssimo, Araújo, Zekri, Altimira, Andersen, Doumbia, Simões, Lima, Catamo, Derry, Guilherme, Blopa, Irankunda, Gonçalves, Suárez, Ioannidis and Nel.
Cahuzac’s medical update before Sporting was announced: Jonathan Gradit is unavailable after the match with OL, and Maik Nawrocki as well as Abdallah Sima remain injured, limiting RC Lens’s options.
Yannick Cahuzac highlighted Sporting’s experience in the Champions League, stating: “Têm muita experiência na Liga dos Campeões”. Michael Cuisance recalled his victory in the same competition with Bayern Munich.
RC Lens and Sang brace for defensive blow as Gradit miss looms before Sporting
These two pieces of news – the absence of Debast and the presence of Zekri – give Cahuzac new elements to prepare for the European duel, illustrating the fine line between opportunity and constraint as the match approaches.