Several notable absences against the Sang et Or

On the eve of the crucial match between RC Lens and Olympique de Marseille, the team compositions are becoming clearer with several notable absences on the Marseille side. Coach Roberto De Zerbi must deal with a reduced squad for this top-of-the-table shock in Ligue 1, despite its refusal to discuss “excuses”.

Cornelius, Harit and Lirola forfeit

Injuries weaken the Marseille group with the confirmed unavailability of Derek Cornelius et Amine Haritalready absent last week. A new absence is added with that of Pol Lirolavictim of a hamstring injury. These three key players will be missing for this perilous trip to Lens, depriving De Zerbi of significant offensive and defensive options.

Late returns of internationals

Like his Lens counterpart Franck Haise, Roberto DeZerbi must also deal with the vagaries of the international calendar. Leonardo Balerdi et Geronimo Rullilate returning from selection with Argentina, missed today's training session. “The Argentinians will join us in Lens this evening, because of the snow”explained the Italian technician, refusing however to invoke “excuses” before this summit meeting.

A major challenge

Despite these absences of mark, Olympique de Marseille approaches this shock with the ambition of getting back on track in Ligue 1 after several lackluster results in recent weeks. Roberto DeZerbi will have to rely on its reshuffled group to try to achieve a positive result on the lawn of the Bollaert-Delelis stadium, the scene of a highly anticipated summit clash.