Lens drop Édouard as Ivanovic leads attack against Paris FC

At the Stade Bollaert, RC Lens will travel to face Paris FC on Sunday night, but striker Odsonne Édouard is likely to be omitted from the squad despite being fit, while Paris FC Ismaelo Ganiou remains sidelined after minor knee surgery.

Attack options reshuffled

L’Équipe notes that the former Crystal Palace forward will be replaced by Benfica loanee Franjo Ivanovic, who is set to lead the line at the Stade Bollaert tonight. Ivanovic’s presence gives Lens a fresh attacking outlet despite Édouard’s omission.

Defensive setbacks mount

Yannick Cahuzac faces limited options in midfield, with Abdallah Sima ruled out injured until after the international break. The shortage forces the coach to rely on the remaining squad members for creativity.

Defensive problems also loom large. Ismaelo Ganiou underwent minor knee surgery this week and is expected to miss several weeks. Maik Nawrocki may be sidelined until the season’s end with an ACL injury, while Jonathan Gradit returns from a minor injury but could be premature for Sunday’s clash.

L’Équipe’s predicted XI lists Robin Risser in goal, with a back four of Kyllian Antonio, Samson Baidoo and Ruben Aguilar. The midfield trio of Matthieu Udol, Amadou Haidara, Michael Cuissance and Saud Abdelhamid is joined by Florian Sotoca, Franjo Ivanovic and Florian Thauvin up front.