Cahuzac banks on three comebacks for his Champions League match

RC Lens unveiled on Tuesday the list of 23 players selected by Yannick Cahuzac to face Sporting Portugal at Bollaert at 18 h 45, on the second matchday of the Champions League group stage, after their 2‑3 comeback against Slavia Prague.

After overturning Slavia Prague (2‑3) to return to the Champions League, the club is set to confirm this inaugural success against Sporting Portugal and continue its flawless run in front of its home crowd.

Absences and Expected Returns

Jonathan Gradit, Maik Nawrocki and Abdallah Sima are unavailable due to injury, which deprives the squad of three regular defenders.

Jean‑Claude Todibo, Nidal Celik and Thorgan Hazard return to the squad after missing the match against Olympique Lyonnais; Todibo was absent due to lack of rhythm, while Celik and Hazard had been left out by the coach's decision.

Tactical Options for Cahuzac

These three returns give Yannick Cahuzac more options to shape his eleven, as RC Lens aims to confirm its feat against Slavia Prague and remain unbeaten in the Champions League.

The coach of the Sang et Or will thus be able to rotate the defensive lines and exploit the creativity of his midfielders, while maintaining the solidity that enabled the comeback against Slavia.

The announced squad includes Gorgelin, Risser – Aguilar, Celik, Baidoo, Udol, Todibo, Skoras, Abdulhamid, Ganiou, Sagnan, Antonio – Bulatovic, Haidara, Cuisance, Titraoui – Sotoca, Hazard, Thauvin, Edouard, Kadile, Ivanovic, Mesloub.

The official Racing Club de Lens account posted the 23‑player squad chart with the hashtag #RCLSCP, recalling the pride of being a Lens fan and the stakes of the match.

It will be Yannick Cahuzac's very first Champions League match as head coach, a decisive moment for the manager and for the club.