Brice Samba is out of the Stade Rennais FC squad for Friday's trip to Nice due to a muscular issue. Manager Franck Haise confirmed the absence of his first-choice goalkeeper, who felt discomfort in his thigh during Wednesday's training session. This brings the number of sidelined goalkeepers to two, with Estéban Lepaul also still unavailable.
Nicolas Lemaître, signed this summer, is set to start in goal at the Allianz Riviera. The 26-year-old keeper previously started this season in the Coupe de France against Le Mans. Kilian Belazzoug, 20, and Noé Le Page, 18, complete the goalkeeper group for the match.
"A discomfort in the upper thigh," Franck Haise specified in his press conference. The coach added, "We will need to see him back on the pitch individually quite quickly." This absence comes as the other goalkeeper, Estéban Lepaul, remains sidelined long-term with an ankle injury sustained on October 18 against Paris FC. Haise said his return is not expected before the Olympiakos match. Lepaul's absence deprives the team of its top scorer this season, with seven goals in seven appearances.
This double absence in goal occurs during a tough run of form for Stade Rennais FC, who have taken just one point from their last five matches. This winless run includes a 4-3 defeat to Paris FC and a 2-2 draw away to Juventus. Their most recent win was a 3-0 victory over Strasbourg on October 25, where Sebastian Szymański scored twice and Boulaye Dia also found the net.
To face OGC Nice, Haise has named a 21-man squad. Forwards Henrick Do Marcolino and Arnaud Nordin are not included. The Ligue 1 Matchday 9 fixture kicks off on Friday evening. This away trip presents an additional challenge for a team low on confidence and missing its two primary goalkeepers.
More detail at Actu.fr
