Sébastien Pocognoli discusses the situation of Loïc Lapoussin and a possible absence of a mark in defense before Antwerp-Union

Mac Allister uncertain

A poster for which it is not necessary to look for extra motivation, but which could be argued without one of the strong men of the defense: Kevin Mac Allister remains uncertain. “He still has pain in his hamstrings that he has been carrying since the match in Bruges. Nothing serious, but you have to manage it well.” Pocognoli could leave the Argentinian to rest and start Ross Sykes.

Chick on the bench?

Another big question arises for the wings of his 3-5-2: on the one hand, Alessio Castro-Montes is indeed back from his injury, ready to take a place in the right lane – or the left, like in Ghent. On the other hand, even if Loïc Lapoussin is selectable again, will T1 want to directly relaunch a player who once again distinguished himself by absences from training, at the end of December, to the point of having been pushed aside by his trainer?

The coach explained the Madagascan winger’s situation: “It’s the same price for everyone. This is never a pleasant situation to deal with. We were delighted that he came back; less of what happened next. But it’s a new year, a new start for everyone. He returned to training after the restart, he is part of core A. There was no question of a return to core B from my point of view. He trained well, he showed rigor on and off the field, so he is selectable, like everyone else.”

But it is quite possible that T1 decides to start him on the bench. He could thus keep Khalaili, excellent in recent weeks, on the right side and shift Castro-Montes to the left.

Finally, in attack, Pocognoli does not have all his weapons: Kabangu has gone elsewhere and Kevin Rodriguez has benefited from a few additional days off. “He is still in Ecuador for family reasons; We hope to get it back quickly.”