With Monaco waiting under the Friday-night lights, Lens are monitoring Ismaëlo Ganiou’s fitness ahead of a demanding Ligue 1 trip.
The Ligue 1 news
Lens wait on Ganiou after hip problem
RC Lens head coach Yannick Cahuzac has identified a minor doubt over Ganiou’s availability for Friday’s Matchday 5 meeting with Monaco, scheduled for 20:45.
The 21-year-old central defender suffered a hip issue late in last week’s 3-2 game against Slavia Prague. He subsequently missed Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Le Mans, but returned to training on Thursday and has not yet been ruled out of the Monaco fixture.
Ganiou has also received a preliminary France call-up under Zinédine Zidane.
Cahuzac, speaking at his first press conference since becoming Lens’ main coach, also confirmed several other absences. Saud Abdulhamid and Samson Baidoo remain in rehabilitation work, while Yassine Titraoui and Maik Nawrocki are unavailable.
There was more encouraging news over Jean-Clair Todibo. The defender made his first Lens appearance in Sarthe against Le Mans and has continued to train without difficulty. Cahuzac said Todibo is gradually recovering his match rhythm after putting together a run of sessions.
Next appointment in France
Lens travel to Monaco on Friday evening for their fifth Ligue 1 match of the season. Ganiou’s condition will be assessed before Cahuzac finalises his squad for the trip.
SEO title: Lens face late Ismaëlo Ganiou fitness decision for Monaco
Meta description: RC Lens coach Yannick Cahuzac says Ismaëlo Ganiou remains a slight doubt for Friday’s Ligue 1 match at Monaco after a hip injury.
