Todibo could make his Lens debut in Champions at Prague

Jean-Clair Todibo could play his first match for RC Lens this Thursday in Prague, in the opening round of the Champions League league phase against Slavia Prague.

As reported by L'Équipe, the defender arrived as a reinforcement and, although he was “too tight” to be included in the squad for Saturday’s league game vs Lorient (0-1), he has regained sharpness in training and Dino Toppmöller is keen to give him minutes at the Eden Arena. The coach points to his experience: Todibo is a 26-year-old France international, on loan from West Ham starting September 1.

Doubts for the starting XI

L'Équipe also says Jonathan Gradit will travel with the team after returning to group training nine months after a tibia-fibula fracture. Still, he is not expected to be trusted to start in a Champions League match.

Another question marks sit with the injuries/knocks. The paper notes that Saud Abdulhamid’s thigh hematoma is taking time to fade, and Matthieu Udol also suffered a heavy knock to his right thigh on Saturday. With that, who will start as the “pistons” in Czechia is uncertain.

Three options up front

In attack, if captain Florian Thauvin keeps his place, there are three contenders for the other two roles: Abdallah Sima (less sharp after a strong start), Franjo Ivanović (ill last weekend), and Odsonne Edouard. Edouard is back after playing 20 minutes following a serious issue connected to his family, as described by L'Équipe.