RC Lens eye revival as Openda hails the Sang before OL clash
At the echoing Bollaert stadium, an unexpected RC Lens player slipped back onto the training pitch while Loïs Openda, now in Lyon colours, declared his affection for the Sang et Or before the Friday 20:45 clash with Olympique Lyonnais.
Season momentum after a rocky start
Manager Yannick Cahuzac hopes the surprise return will spark a revival after a difficult opening to the Ligue 1 campaign and a defeat to Monaco. The sixth‑round fixture sees the Sang et Or host OL on Friday night, a chance to reset their league trajectory.
Despite a crowded infirmary, Cahuzac can count on bright spots. Saud Abdulhamid and Yassine Titraoui, both absent for weeks, featured in a 2‑0 friendly win over Standard Liège, with Abdulhamid playing roughly thirty minutes and Titraoui about forty.
Injury concerns linger
Samson Baidoo remains sidelined with hamstring trouble, while Maik Nawrocki is out after a serious ACL injury. Forward Abdallah Sima, who opened the season with two goals and two assists, is also doubtful with a thigh problem that could keep him out for weeks.
Fonseca reshapes Lyon defence after Niakhaté injury for Lens
Jhoanner Chavez, the Ecuadorian full‑back, finally returned after a long spell on the sidelines and is gradually regaining his feel for the game, offering a cautious boost to a defence that has been unsettled since the campaign began.
Openda, who netted twenty‑one Ligue 1 goals in 2022‑23, paid tribute on Ligue 1+ radio: “I spent an extraordinary year at Lens. I found joy, playing time, love and confidence there – everything that made me the player I am today.” His words are expected to resonate with the home crowd.
Among the training group, several youngsters – Lucas Robbe, Elijah Mendy, Hugo Bayomog, Léopold Joursky and Nathanael Gane Bernardino – were also present, underscoring the club’s focus on youth development.
The emotional backdrop and the influx of returning players give the Sang et Or a genuine lift ahead of a decisive encounter that could shape their Ligue 1 fortunes.