Lepaul absent, Samba returns: Haise's challenge before Olympiakos

While Stade Rennais have to do without Esteban Lepaul, who is injured in the ankle, coach Franck Haise is counting on the return of Brice Samba to strengthen his squad before hosting Olympiakos at 16:30 this Wednesday, as part of the fourth matchday of the Europa League.

Match and European stakes

Stade Rennais coach Franck Haise announced several pieces of bad news ahead of the Olympiakos welcome this Wednesday. He did, however, indicate that a return was expected in the squad. Stade Rennais host Olympiakos at 16:30 on the fourth matchday of the Europa League group stage. Still unbeaten in Europe this season, the Red and Black are looking for their second win to get closer to the Top 8, which guarantees direct qualification to the round of 16.

For this important match, Franck Haise has to deal with several uncertainties in his squad. Esteban Lepaul, absent during the last three games because of an ankle sprain, is again unavailable against the Greek club. The striker has not resumed collective training and will have to wait before returning to competition.

Brice Samba, who missed the 5‑2 defeat to OGC Nice last weekend, should normally rejoin the group. Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal and Valentin Rongier remain doubtful due to muscle concerns, their participation in the match still to be confirmed. Stade Rennais nevertheless hope to have a competitive squad to continue their European invincibility and move closer to the top eight places in the table. The contrast between Lepaul’s absence and Samba’s possible return highlights the limited margin of manoeuvre for the coach ahead of the Greek challenge.