Returning from a minor injury, Odsonne Édouard could start for RC Lens against Le Mans FC on Sunday afternoon. It would see Franjo Ivanovic drop to the bench.

Dino Toppmoller is without Souleymane Sagnan (suspension), Saud Abdulhamid, Samson Baidoo, Maik Mawrocki, and Yacine Titraoui. The latter’s absence is a big blow, considering how well he has started the season for his new club.

However, there could be a huge boost in defence. Jonathan Gradit has not played since suffering a horrific leg break, but L’Équipe understands that he could make a start for Lens today. He is competing with West Ham United loanee Jean-Clair Todibo for a place in the starting XI. Michael Cuisance will once again start from the bench today.

Lens likely line-up v Le Mans

Robin Risser; Matthieu Udol, Ismaelo Ganiou, Jonathan Gradit; Michal Skoras, Amadou Haidara, Andrija Bulatovic, Ruben Aguilar; Abdallah Sima, Odsonne Édouard, Florian Thauvin. (L’Éq)